2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Biloxi
Bishop Thomas J. Rodi
Previous Audit Conducted 07/07 –
11/03
Auditors: Tom Gavin and Reuben V. Martinez
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/18 –22/04.
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 would meet with, or offer to
meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse
however there have been none 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, Sr. Mary Riordan who has a very extensive experience in
education and ministry. The diocese established in 2002 a Review Board
which consists of seven members. The members include three psychologists,
a psychiatrist, a medical doctor with a family practice, a businessman,
and an employee of the Department of Human Services and Catholic Social
and Community Services. 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 did not
report any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities as
there have been 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 fully implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children is “Guidelines for
the Protection of Children”; the educational program for parents is
“Guidelines for the Protection of Children”; the educational program for
ministers is “Clergy Continuing Education/Formation”; the educational
program for educators is “Guidelines for the Protection of Children” and
“Guidelines Re-Training”; and the educational program for others
(volunteers) is a “Safe Environment Program for Volunteers.” Volunteers
are provided a copy of the Diocesan Code of Conduct Regarding Contact with
Minors and the Diocesan policy regarding Complaints of Abuse of Minors.
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 all 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.