2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of Santa Fe
Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan
Previous Audit Conducted
7/14-18/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 18-22, 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, Sister Nancy Kazik
who has a Master’s Degree in Theology/Religious Studies with extensive
experience in leadership and pastoral care. The Archdiocese established in
1993, a Review Board, which consists of 11 members. The members include a
physician, two therapists, a social worker, an attorney, a businessman, an
economist and four 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 a confidentiality agreement during the
audit period.
The Archdiocese would have reported all allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there have been none
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 will 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
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 Archdiocesan policy 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 not fully implemented
a "safe environment" education program. A Required Action was issued. The
educational program for children is “Protection of Children and Youth
Training Program,” which is a series of programs based upon grade and
tailored for the various age groups as well as an adult program; the
educational program for parents is “Protection of Children and Youth
Training Program”; the educational program for ministers is “Protection of
Children and Youth Training Program”; the educational program for
educators is “Protection of Children and Youth Training Program”; and the
educational program for others is “Protection of Children and Youth
Training Program”. 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 with the
exception of Article 12. A Required Action was issued.
Article 12 Safe Environment Programs
Required Action: The Archdiocese will provide the exact
number of religious education students and volunteers. Provide the number
of those who have not yet been trained. Provide the number of those
parochial school children who have not received training. Provide a
schedule for training each group of individuals.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe had completed the
required action. The archdiocese is found to be compliant with all
articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.