2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Lansing, Michigan
Name of Bishop Carl F. Mengeling
Previous Audit Conducted
6/30-7/4/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/6-9/10/04.
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 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 two victim assistance coordinators,
Monsignor Michael D. Murphy and Monsignor Robert D. Lunsford, who have
many years of pastoral and administrative experience, have stayed current
on abuse issues and rely on an established list of professionals to
provide direct assistance to victims/survivors. The diocese established in
2003 a Review Board which consists of nine members. The members include
two civil attorneys; two law enforcement officers; a canon attorney; a
physician; a child therapist; a priest 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 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 would direct 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 “Protecting
God’s Children; Teaching Touching Safety for Children”. The educational
program for parents; ministers; educators and others is “Protecting God’s
Children for Adults”. 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. One priest, who
has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him transferred
to another diocese for residence, the proper notification to the bishop of
the new diocese of residence was made and reviewed by the auditors.
The bishop, or his designee, periodically confer and coordinate
with major superiors of men with a presence in the diocese concerning
addressing the issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy,
however there have been no such meetings during this audit period as
agreements of the past are still in effect. 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.