Statement Regarding Father Paul Madden

By Maureen Smith
Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson
September 21, 2015

http://jacksondiocese.org/2015/09/statement-regarding-father-paul-madden/

Fr. Paul Madden began work with the Catholic Diocese of Jackson in 1970. Beginning in January 1984, Fr. Paul Madden began his assignment with the St. James Society, an international organization of diocesan missionary priests who volunteer their priestly lives to serve in Peru and Ecuador. The Diocese became aware in December 1993 that Madden had abused a minor in the 1970s. The Diocese informed the Society of St. James of the abuse. In February 2002, Fr. Madden resigned from the Society of St. James and began working in the Diocese of Chimpote, Peru. The Diocese of Jackson informed the Bishop of Chimpote, Peru of the reported abuse. In July 2002, pursuant to the mandates of the “Dallas Charter” and the Diocese of Jackson’s of Jackson’s Protection of Children policies, the Diocese suspended the faculties of Fr. Paul Madden. After the suspension, Fr. Madden sought incardination from the Bishop of Chimpote Diocese. In response to the Chimpote’s inquiries, the Diocese of Jackson again informed the Bishop of Chimpote of the abuse, as well as actions taken by the Diocese of Jackson, namely the suspension of his faculties. A copy of the Dallas Charter in Spanish was sent to the Bishop of Chimpote. In April of 2004 the Bishop of Chimbote incardinated Paul Madden into the Diocese of Chimpote.

Other than the report of December 1993, the Diocese of Jackson has not received any additional complaints about Fr. Madden.

Beginning in 1985, the Diocese of Jackson implemented a written policy and procedure regarding reporting and handling of sexual misconduct claims for lay and church personnel. The Diocese of Jackson reviews and updates the procedures annually as called for in the Charter for the Protection of Children. The Diocese is committed to ensuring that children being served by the Church are not at risk of sexual abuse by church personnel. The spiritual well-being of all victims, their families, and others in the community is of particular concern to the Church.

The Diocese of Jackson is committed to ensuring that children served by the church are not at risk of sexual abuse by the Church personnel. Diocesan policies and procedures currently in place seek to protect, enhance and, in some cases, restore the trust that our faith calls for between agents of the Church and the children and adolescents entrusted to our care. In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People passed by the U.S. bishops in Dallas, the Diocese of Jackson wishes to encourage any victim of sexual abuse by a member of the Catholic Clergy to come forward and begin the healing process. When an allegation is found to be credible, counseling will be offered, so that the healing process can begin in accord with our present diocesan policy. We encourage any victim to contact Ms. Valerie McClellan, Victims Assistance Coordinator at 601-326-3728.

Media may contact Maureen Smith, Director of Communications at 601-969-3581.