2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Corpus Christi
Bishop Edmond Carmody, DD
Audit Conducted
09/27—10/1/2004
Previous Audit Conducted
09/29-10/3/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 09/27—10/1/2004
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 not
directed outreach to all faith communities as there has not been any
allegation in which a faith community was involved. 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, Deacon Manual Maldonado, who
is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Texas. In 2002, the
diocese established a Review Board which consists of seven members. The
members include a professional Boy Scout Leader, a university President, a
pediatrician, a business consultant, a lawyer, a Jewish civic
leader/housewife, and a Catholic priest. 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 a confidentiality agreement during the audit period.
The diocese reported all
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities 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 “We Help Ourselves” and “Sexual Abuse Prevention”;
the educational program for parents is “How to Protect Your Child from
Child Abuse”; the educational program for ministers is “Creating and
Maintaining a Safe Environment for Children and Youth”; the educational
program for educators is “Youth Protection/Child Abuse Protection”; and
the educational program for others is “Creating and Maintaining a Safe
Environment for Children and Youth.” 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, without providing the proper notification to the
new diocese of residence.
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 participated 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.