2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Mobile
Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb
Previous Audit Conducted
7/28-8/1/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 13-15, 2004.
The Archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Archbishop 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 Archbishop or his delegate has
directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred. The Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese has a victim assistance
coordinator, Fr. James Cink who is well qualified with extensive
experience and expertise in working with victims of sexual abuse. The
Archdiocese established in 2003 a Review Board which consists of nine
members. The members include a physician, an attorney, an educator, a
parent, a youth home administrator, a retired public official, a
government public information officer, and two members of the clergy. The
Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the Archbishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily
available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic public
announcements. The Archdiocese has not entered into confidentiality
agreements during the audit period.
The Archdiocese reported
all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities since the
last compliance audit. The Archdiocese complies with all applicable civil
laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of
minors to civil authorities. The Archdiocese has established effective
liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding
sexual abuse allegations will occur. The Archdiocese cooperates with
public authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a
minor. In all instances, the Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese 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 Archdiocesan policies provide that the offending
priest or deacon be permanently removed from ministry. The Archdiocese
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 Archdiocese
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty
of dismissal from the clerical state has not been applied, the Archdiocese
directs the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The Archdiocese
does not allow the offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the
sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a priest.
The
Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Archbishop’s pledge to be open and
transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The
Archdiocese does assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Archdiocese has fully implemented a
"safe environment" education program. The educational program for children
is the Children and Adolescent Protection Program; the program for parents
is the Children and Adolescent Protection Program/Parent Information; the
educational program for priests and deacons is the Children and Adolescent
Protection Program/Trainers; the educational program for educators is the
Children and Adolescent Protection Program/Teachers; and the educational
program for others is the Children and Adolescent Protection
Program/Support Staff. The Archdiocese has clear and well publicized
standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to
sexual abuse. The Archdiocese conducts background evaluations for all
Archdiocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors,
using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The
Archdiocese employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in
deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination.
The Archdiocese
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 Archdiocese 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 Archbishop
or his designee has coordinated with major superiors of men with a
presence in the Archdiocese concerning addressing the issue of allegations
of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese has not had the
opportunity to participate in research with other institutions in the area
of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese 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 Archdiocese was found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.