2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of St. Louis
Archbishop Raymond L. Burke
Previous Audit Conducted
08/04-08/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 27-October 1, 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, Nancy Brown,
Ph.D., who is a psychologist with many years of experience treating
victims of abuse. The Archdiocese established in 1995 a Review Board that
consists of nine (9) members. The members include a woman religious (who
holds a Masters degree in social work), a priest (who holds a Ph.D. in
psychology), two psychologists in private practice, 2 medical doctors, a
youth minister, a deacon (who holds a degree in social work), and a
retired police officer. 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 any confidentiality agreements during the
audit period.
The Archdiocese had no allegations of sexual abuse of a
minor to report to public authorities 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, within the context of Missouri law,
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 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
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 Archdiocese 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 that 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 implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children is “Touching
Safety”; the educational program for parents is “What Do I Say Now?”; the
educational program for educators, priests , deacons, employees,
volunteers, and others is “Protecting God’s Children”. 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 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 archdiocese/diocese for
residence, without providing the proper notification to the new
archdiocese/diocese of residence.
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, but has sought to enter into cooperative
ventures with two major local universities. 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.