2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Cardinal Justin Rigali
Previous Audit Conducted
09/08-09/12/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/29-12/02/2004.
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 Cardinal 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 Cardinal 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 three victim assistance coordinators,
Mr. Marty Frick, Ms. Karen Becker and Ms. Louise Hagner all of whom have
extensive experience in treating trauma survivors, providing mental health
services, working with child sexual abuse programs and with child welfare
systems. The Archdiocese established in 2003 a Review Board, which
consists of seven members. The members include a social worker, a
registered nurse, a doctor, a lawyer, a priest, a clinical psychologist
and the Pennsylvania State Director of Public Welfare. The Board serves as
a confidential consultative body to the Cardinal.
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 any 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. 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 implemented a "safe
environment" education program. The educational program for children is
“Protecting God’s Children Program for Students”; the educational program
for parents is “Protecting God’s Children for Parents”; the educational
program for ministers is “Protecting God’s Children for Adults”; the
educational program for educators is “Protecting God’s Children for
Adults”; and the educational program for others is “Protecting God’s
Children”. 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 however, two priests based on their own decision have moved
to another diocese and the receiving bishop has been advised.
The
Cardinal, 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.