2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Salt Lake City
Bishop George H. Niederauer
Previous Audit Conducted
10/13-17/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 8-13, 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. 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 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, Monica
Howa-Johnson, who is an experienced educator. The diocese established in
2002 a Review Board which consists of eleven members. The members include
an educator, human services professional, attorney/deacon, police officer,
psychologist, retired judge, Sister, Diocese Communications Director,
Director of Diocesan Pastoral Operations, a priest and the Vicar General.
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 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 would take 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 would supply
canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of
dismissal from the clerical state was not applied, the diocese would
direct the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The diocese does
not allow an 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 is part of the
school or religious education curriculum and there is an on-line course
created by the diocese for parents, ministers, educators and others. 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 for residence who has had a credible
allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another diocese.
The bishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors
of men with a presence in the diocese concerning the issue of allegations
of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese has participated 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.