KANSAS CITY (MO)
National Catholic Reporter
Jan. 09, 2012
By Joshua J. McElwee
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As Bishop Robert W. Finn of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese began visiting parishes yesterday (Jan. 8) as part of an agreement to avoid criminal charges for failing to report suspected child abuse, about 60 area Catholics rallied in his support.
The agreement, between the bishop and Clay County, Mo., prosecutor Daniel White, allowed Finn to avoid criminal charges for child endangerment in that county in regards to the case of diocesan priest Fr. Shawn Ratigan, who was arrested on charges of child pornography last May.
As part of the agreement, Finn agreed to meet with diocesan parishes in that county to outline diocesan reporting procedures for suspected child abuse. Finn also agreed to monthly meetings with White to discuss all reported suspicions of abuse in the county, and to appoint a new director of child and youth protection.
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