2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Bishop John M.D’Arcy
Previous Audit Conducted 8/18
–22/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 10/11-15/2004
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, Father
Robert Schulte, Vicar General, who has twenty-nine years of pastoral
experience and an undergraduate degree in psychology along with graduate
level training in pastoral counseling. The Diocese established in 2002 a
Review Board which consists of nine members. The members include one
priest, two individuals in the mental health field, one female parent with
a master’s degree in theology, one judge, two educators, one attorney and
one employee of the diocese who is the Co-Director of the Office of Family
Life. 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 confidentiality agreements
during the audit period.
The Diocese would have reported any allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon to public authorities
however there were no such allegations received 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 in
accordance with Indiana State law 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”Diocesan Safe
Environment Program”; the educational program for parents is “Diocesan
Safe Environment Program”; the educational program for ministers is
“Diocesan Safe Environment Program”; the educational program for educators
is” Diocesan Safe Environment Program”; and the educational program for
others is “Diocesan Safe Environment Program.” 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/eparchy 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.