District Attorneys, Diocese Sign Memorandum on Sex Abuse of Minors

By Scott Sasina
WBNG
October 29, 2015

http://www.wbng.com/news/video/Diocese-signs-memorandum-on-sexual-abuse-of-minors-338094052.html

[with video]

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) District Attorneys within the region of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse joined Bishop Robert Cunningham in Binghamton. The purpose of the gathering was to "formalize" the procedure following incidents of alleged sexual abuse of minors -- by all members of clergy within the Diocese.

"A priest, or any other adult who abuses a child, is wrong," Robert Cunningham, the Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, said.

On Wednesday, Bishop Cunningham, along with seven district attorneys -- from Chenango, Cortland, Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego and Madison counties -- signed a memorandum to formalize their agreement.

"This essentially makes the Diocese of Syracuse a mandatory reporter for any potential sexual abuse. The complaint will be reported immediately to the appropriate district attorney's office," Bill Fitzpatrick, the district attorney of Onondaga County, said.

Bishop Cunninghamton says he believes this is a big step in the right direction.

"To deal with this issue effectively and justly, and most importantly, to make every effort to make sure no child is harmed," Cunningham said. "Let me be clear and state again, on the record, I do not believe, nor have I ever believed, a child is responsible for being abused."

Broome County District Attorney Gerald Mollen said Bishop Cunningham's trip to Binghamton means a lot.

"I think they recognize the importance of the issue," Mollen said, "To the community and to their parishioners, to their priests. So I think his coming here was an effort on his part to make a statement that he understands the importance of the issue."

The signatures state that sexual abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.