2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Eparchy of St. George in Canton
Bishop John Michael Botean, DD
Previous Audit Conducted
10/27 - 30 /2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/8 – 12/2004.
The diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese has a policy
which provides for outreach designed to offer pastoral care to
victims/survivors and their families. The bishop or his representative has
not had to meet with, or has not had to offer to meet with any
victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse since the last
compliance audit since there have been no incidents. The bishop or his
delegate has not had the occasion for outreach to all faith communities in
which sexual abuse occurred as there were no cases. 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, Carol Ann Gall, who is a
volunteer in the parish of St. Helena with over 30 years experience in
various departments with the Cleveland Clinic. The diocese established in
2003 a Review Board which consists of 5 members. The members include the
pastor of a parish, a licensed social worker, a practicing attorney who
was a former county prosecutor, a female parent and an executive with a
well known foundation. 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 would have had reported
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there
were none since the last compliance audit. The diocese would comply with
all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of
sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities but there has been no occasion
to do so during this audit period. The diocese has established effective
liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding
sexual abuse allegations will occur. The diocese has a policy in place to
cooperate with public authorities about reporting in cases when the person
is no longer a minor if an incident should occur. In all instances, the
diocese has a policy in place to advise all victims/survivors of their
right to report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil
authorities should an incident occur.
If an allegation of sexual
abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon were to be received, a preliminary
investigation, in harmony with canon law, would be initiated. If a
preliminary investigation so indicated, the diocese would notify the
Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and apply the precautionary
measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473. If accusations
against a priest or a deacon were proven to be unfounded, the diocese
would take steps to restore the good name of the priest or deacon.
If sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a deacon were 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 would offer professional
assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every case
involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law
would be observed. Accused clergy would be 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 were to be applied, the
diocese would direct the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance.
The diocese would 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 would assist
and support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial
misconduct involving minors.
The diocese has implemented a "safe environment"
education program by aligning itself with the Roman Catholic dioceses in
which their parishes and missions are located throughout the United
States. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has enabled all priests,
deacons, etc., in the Canton diocese to enroll in their VIRTUS programs.
Since there are no diocesan schools and since there are only approximately
5,000 members throughout the U.S., most of which are elderly, the diocese
does not believe it is feasible or economically viable to have their own
program for children. They rely on the school systems, both public and
private, to provide training for children. For example, the State of Ohio
requires such training programs in all schools; the educational program
for parents is “Smarter Parents, Safer Children”; the educational program
for ministers is “Protecting God’s Children”; the diocese has no educators
since there are no schools; and the educational program for others is
“Protecting God’s Children.” 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.
Since there have been no
allegations or incidents, 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. Since there have
been no allegations or incidents, the diocese has not transferred any
priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made
against him to another 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.