2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Belleville
Diocese of Belleville
Bishop Wilton D.
Gregory
Previous Audit Conducted June 2-6, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 29 – December 3, 2004.
The diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The bishop or his representative has met with, or offered to
meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse
since the last compliance audit. The bishop or his delegate has directed
outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse occurred. The
diocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to any allegation
where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor
occurred.
The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Lynn
Muscarello who is a licensed clinical professional counselor with a
Master’s Degree in clinical psychology and six years experience as a
therapist. The diocese established in 1993 a Review Board which consists
of nine members. The members include a parishioner/teacher, a counselor,
an attorney, an attorney/counselor, a professional motivational
speaker/victim, three pastors/priests and a psychologist. The Board serves
as a confidential consultative body to the bishop.
The procedures
for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in printed form, and
are the subject of periodic public announcements. The diocese has not
entered into any confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
The
diocese would have reported allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to
public authorities however there were none since the last compliance
audit. The diocese complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to
the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil
authorities. The diocese has established effective liaison with civil
authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse
allegations will occur. The diocese cooperates with public authorities
about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor. In all
instances, the diocese advises victims/survivors of their right to report
allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil
authorities.
When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a
priest or deacon is received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony with
canon law, is initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the
diocese notifies the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and applies
the precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon
1473. When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be
unfounded, the diocese takes steps to restore the good name of the priest
or deacon.
When sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a deacon is
admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord with canon
law, the diocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be
permanently removed from ministry. The diocese offers professional
assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every case
involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law are
observed. Accused clergy are encouraged to retain the assistance of civil
and canonical counsel. When necessary, the diocese supplies canonical
counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from
the clerical state has not been applied, the diocese directs the offender
to lead a life of prayer and penance. The diocese does not allow the
offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to
present himself publicly as a priest.
The diocese has established
clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests
and deacons. A communications policy is in effect which reflects the
bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual
abuse of children. The diocese does assist and support all parish
communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The diocese has
implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational
program for children, parents, ministers, educators, and others is locally
developed utilizing a multi-agency approach. The diocese has clear and
well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust
with regard to sexual abuse. The diocese conducts background evaluations
for diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors,
using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The diocese
employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the
fitness of candidates for ordination.
The diocese has not
transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another ministerial assignment since the
last audit. The diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has
had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another
diocese for residence since the last audit.
The bishop, or his
designee, has coordinated with major superiors of men with a presence in
the diocese concerning addressing the issue of allegations of sexual abuse
of minors by clergy. The diocese has not had the opportunity to
participate in research with other institutions in the area of sexual
abuse. The diocese has developed a systematic ongoing formation program in
keeping with the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.
At the conclusion of this compliance audit,
the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter
for the Protection of Children and Young People.