2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Raleigh
Bishop F. Joseph Gossman
Previous Audit Conducted 09/22
–26/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 09/27-30/2004.
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 Diocese has had six (6) faith
communities affected by sexual abuse. 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, Kathleen Walsh, who has a Masters of Social Work,
with over 30 years experience in social service positions. The diocese
established in 1998 a Review Board, which consists of seven members. The
members include a PHD in Child Psychology, another PHD in pediatric
psychology, a member of the North Carolina State University faculty, a
judge and former prosecutor, a program director for Prevent Child Abuse
North Carolina, a Medical Doctor of Pediatrics, and an Attorney General’s
Office Attorney from the State of North Carolina. 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 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 notify 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 others is Prevent
Child Abuse North Carolina and “Creating Safe and Sacred Places”. 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.