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  Board Reviews Allegation Dating to 1960s

Catholic Diocese of Arlington
September 13, 2007

http://www.arlingtondiocese.org/news/show_story.php?story_id=201

The Arlington Diocesan Review Board has completed its review of an allegation that the late Rev. Msgr. William T. Reinecke sexually abused a female minor in the late 1960s. Based upon the available evidence, a majority of the Review Board members determined it to be a "credible accusation" under the diocese's Policy on the Protection of Children/Young People and Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and/or Child Abuse.

Msgr. Reinecke committed suicide in 1992. Following his death, the diocese received allegations that he had engaged in sexually abusive conduct with male minors. The recent allegation against him, brought forward in 2006, is the first to be made that involved a female. Upon learning of the allegation, the diocese met with the individual, provided assistance with counseling, and notified the Diocese of Richmond. At the time of the alleged abuse, Msgr. Reinecke was assigned to St. Mary's parish in Alexandria, which was then a parish of the Richmond Diocese. The Diocese of Arlington was established in 1974.

Msgr. Reinecke served as pastor, St. James, Falls Church, 1990-92; pastor, St. Ambrose, Annandale, 1980-90; in residence, Our Lady of Lourdes, Arlington, 1979-80 and 1974-75; in residence, Queen of Apostles, Alexandria, 1976-79; associate pastor, St. Charles Borromeo, Arlington, 1969-74; and associate pastor, St. Mary, Alexandria, 1965-69. He also served in various roles in the diocesan chancery.

The diocese has had a written child protection policy since 1991. This policy was updated in 2003. Under the policy, the majority lay-person Review Board serves in an advisory capacity to the bishop to review allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clerics. The diocesan child protection policy is online at www.arlingtondiocese.org, under Child Protection and Safety.

The diocese encourages anyone who knows of any misconduct or abuse on the part of any cleric or employee of the diocese to notify both civil authorities and the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Patricia Mudd, at (703) 841-2530.

 
 

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