2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of St. Cloud
Bishop John F. Kinney
Previous Audit Conducted 6/23 –
27/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 9/13-17/2004.
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 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, Thomas
Keaveny, who is a licensed social
worker with a Master’s degree in
Social Work from the University of Minnesota. The Diocese established in
2002 a Review Board which consists of 10 members. The members include two
priests, one retired executive, three social workers, two self-employed
businessmen, one licensed psychologist and one law enforcement officer.
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 any confidentiality
agreements 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 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 is a diocesan program, the educational program for
parents is a diocesan program, the educational program for deacons is a
diocesan program, the educational program for educators is a diocesan
program, and the educational program for others is a diocesan program. 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/eparchy 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.