PENNSYLVANIA
York Daily Record
Bishop Ronald W. Gainer
August 22, 2016
Your Aug. 14 article detailing the priests in the Diocese of Harrisburg accused of child abuse in the past casts an important light on the scourge of child sexual abuse in society. I want to acknowledge the role of media in bringing this issue forward and thank you for reporting on the Diocese’s efforts to combat and prevent sexual abuse.
Let me be clear: The sexual abuse of children is an appalling sin and a crime. Since the 1990s, the Diocese of Harrisburg has a well-established zero-tolerance policy for clergy. We report all allegations of sexual abuse immediately to law enforcement, even if the cleric is deceased and no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
I also want to assure you that no one in active ministry in our Diocese has a credible accusation of abuse against them. It has been our policy and practice for decades that all persons in a child-serving position must pass rigorous background clearances and checks, specifically the Pennsylvania State Police, Department of Human Services, and, in some cases, FBI fingerprint checks. This certainly applies to all priests and deacons as well as to priests coming into our Diocese from both Religious Orders and other Dioceses. The Religious Orders or Dioceses who send these priests to us must also provide clear assurances that there have been no credible allegations of abuse against the priests who they are sending to minister in our Diocese. This is a standard set by the USCCB since the 2002 Charter (article 14)
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