2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Portland, Maine
Bishop Richard Joseph Malone
Previous Audit Conducted
6/23-27/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 8/9-13/2004.
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. Twenty-two new victims/survivors came forth during this audit
period involving twelve priests of which eight were already dead; two
religious no longer in ministry in Maine were referred to their community;
one was previously removed and one was removed during this audit period.
All of the new victims/survivors are now adults. 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 a victim assistance coordinator, Sr. Rita-Mae
Bissonnette who is the Co-Chancellor. During the majority of the audit
period Susanne Sturm, Support and Assistance Minister, who had a
background in Behavioral Science and Social Welfare, was the primary
contact with the victims. Ms. Sturm recently resigned and the bishop is
currently interviewing candidates for that position. The diocese
established a Review Board in 1993 which was subsequently reconstituted in
January 2003 to comply with the Charter. The Review Board consists of 11
members from diverse backgrounds including those of former law
enforcement, medical, counseling, private industry, clergy, and education,
and is chaired by a former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial
Court. All cases are presented to the board by the diocesan investigator
who is a retired Deputy Police Chief from Portland Maine. Detailed
background information on each member is available on the diocese web
site. 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, on the diocesan website, and are the subject of periodic
public announcements. The diocese has entered into two confidentiality
agreements during the audit period for reasons brought forward by the
victim/survivor.
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, where the offender is of advanced age or infirm. 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 not implemented a "safe environment"
education program for children and parents, and a Required Action was
issued. The “safe environment” educational program for ministers,
educators and for others is VIRTUS “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 results of background checks and receipt of
training are tracked through a database maintained at the chancery. 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/eparchy for residence.
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
participated in research with others 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 with the exception of
Article number 12. The following Required Action was issued:
REQUIRED ACTION #1(Article 12) – The diocese has not implemented
a “safe environment program for children and parents and a Required Action
was issued to insure a program is established and implemented.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Portland, Maine had
satisfactorily completed the required action. The diocese is found to be
compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People.