2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico
Bishop Ricardo Ramirez
Previous Audit Conducted 9/15
–17/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/1-4/2004
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, where
appropriate, directed outreach to all faith communities in which sexual
abuse occurred in the past. 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, Elizabeth Ennis who has a BS Degree in psychology,
a MA Degree in educational administration and is a retired Naval Officer.
The diocese established in 1997 a Review Board which consists of nine
members. The members include a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a
psychotherapist, two women religious not in the employ of the diocese; two
mental health counselors, and two members of the clergy with a background
in counseling. 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 reports all allegations of sexual
abuse of a minor to public authorities, however, since the last compliance
audit there were no such allegations. 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. Should accusations against a priest or a deacon be proven to be
unfounded, the diocese would take 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 programs for children are “No More
Voices in the Dark” and “Living in Faith”; the educational program for
parents is “Safe and Sacred Places” and “No More Voices in the Dark”; the
educational program for ministers, educators, and others is a four hour
sexual abuse prevention workshop which includes safe environment training
and a thorough review of the diocese’s Code of Conduct. This training has
been in place since 1992 and is updated annually. 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.