BishopAccountability.org
	Child Sex Abuse Never a Matter to Laugh about By Michael R. Strammiello Westerly The Day July 31, 2010 http://www.theday.com/article/20100731/OP02/307319919 The Diocese of Norwich objects to the cartoon published July 26 on the editorial page. It appears the cartoon was in response to the new norms announced by the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith that addressed women and ordination as well as child-protection policies. Those of us who serve in the Catholic Church do not believe the implied subject of child abuse is ever a subject to make fun of. We in the church, and specifically the diocese, regard this subject seriously. The Catholic Church has worked relentlessly the past decade on child-safety policy. This includes the awareness campaign that extends a sincere please-call invitation (800-624-7407) to anyone harmed by a church representative. There are posters to this effect in our churches and schools, online posting on norwichdiocese.org and conspicuous postings in the Four County Catholic. Since 2002, the diocese and all dioceses nationwide have had a zero-tolerance policy. A priest or deacon who has admitted to or been found guilty of sexually abusing a minor can no longer engage in public ministry. Other policies include mandatory reporting of allegations of sexual abuse to civil authorities, background and criminal history checks for church employees and volunteers, personal safety education for children and child abuse awareness and prevention education for parents, grandparents, volunteers and employees. All dioceses require intensive background screening and psychological tests for those wishing to enter the seminary. The intense focus on child safety has brought other social institutions to look to the church as a model of child safety. We were sorry to see The Day publish a cartoon that seemed to suggest it has a casual attitude toward such matters. I know The Day does not take child safety lightly, and therefore was misrepresented by the tasteless cartoon's message. I am sure of that. The writer is director of the communications office for the Diocese of Norwich.
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