2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Lubbock
Bishop Placido Rodriquez
Previous Audit Conducted
8/11-15/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 13-17, 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 has met with, or offered to meet with all
victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse since the last
compliance audit. The Bishop 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, Charlotte Amato, who is
psychologist in private practice for over 20 years who has considerable
experience in sexual abuse treatment. In 1989 the Diocese established a
Review Board which consists of eight members: two priests, one woman
religious, a family and marriage therapist, a psychiatrist, an attorney, a
health care executive who is also a former Protestant minister and a woman
who is also a former victim of abuse. 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 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, parents, ministers, educators and volunteers is
“Called to Protect” by Praesidium. 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 residency since the last audit. A priest has independently
returned to Mexico of his own accord and that diocese has been notified of
background.
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 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.