Archdiocese Names Judge Timothy J. O’Malley as Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment, by Jim Accurso, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis (August 25, 2014)

Archdiocese Names Judge Timothy J. O’Malley as Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment

By Jim Accurso
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
August 25, 2014

http://www.archspm.org/archspm_news/archdiocese-names-judge-timothy-j-omalley-director-ministerial-standards-safe-environment/

Former Superintendent of MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to fill key leadership role recommended by
Safe Environment Task Force

Archbishop John Nienstedt announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Timothy J. O’Malley to the new position of Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The creation of this new position was one of the key recommendations called for in the independent Safe Environment and Ministerial Standards Task Force Report and Recommendations in April 2014. He begins his new role at the archdiocese on September 15.

“We are honored that Judge O’Malley has offered to share his experience and insights with the Church to help protect the young and vulnerable and hold accountable those who have caused harm,” said Archbishop John Nienstedt. “He brings with him a high level of intellect, an impressive background of experience and leadership with local law enforcement, the FBI, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the judicial system, and he has a compassionate heart for victim/survivors.”

Judge O'Malley said, "I am honored to join the team that the archdiocese put together and hope my contributions position us to better serve those who have been abused and their families. Like many others, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, I have been profoundly troubled and disappointed by how the Church has addressed reports of abuse. I want to help change that. The archdiocese must do everything possible to prevent the kind of abuse that Pope Francis has accurately and pointedly described as 'despicable.' Protecting children must be our highest priority."

Michael Campion, former Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner and fellow former BCA superintendent, said of the appointment, "Tim has a high level of integrity, displays a strong backbone, and stands up for the right thing. He has the expertise and gravitas that is needed for an important position such as this. He is not one to be intimidated nor shy away from a challenge. Above all else, he is fair. He will serve victims well."

Patty Wetterling, who has known O’Malley since the abduction of her son in 1989, said, "I can tell you he is greatly respected in both the law enforcement and victim services communities and has proven his commitment to building a world without sexual violence. He is smart and tough, yet practical and compassionate. He is a man of action who follows through and gets things done. I commend the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in taking this vital step to address the serious problems in the past. I hold great hope for a better future."

O’Malley will be responsible for ensuring archdiocesan compliance with the USCCB‘s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the Charter) and related state and federal law. This new office will encompass the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth, the Promoter of Ministerial Standards program, and the Office of Victim Advocacy and Assistance. Bringing all safe environment and ministerial standards programs under one office will address reporting, record-keeping and communication issues identified by the task force and will help bring all work into alignment with recognized best practices.