2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
Bishop George V. Murry, S.J.
No Previous Audit
Conducted
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of November 1-5, 2004.
The Diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Diocese has an
outreach program designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and
their families, but to date has not put it to use since there have been no
reported incidents of clerical sexual abuse. The Bishop or his
representative has offered to meet with all victims/survivors who wish to
make allegations of abuse, but no such victims have come forward. The
Bishop has a policy to direct outreach to all faith communities in which
sexual abuse may occur. 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 two victim assistance
coordinators, Ms. Alice Hamilton, who is a Doctor of Social Welfare with
over 30 years of experience in therapy and counseling, and Sr. Victoria
Andreoli, who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with over 40 years
of experience in psychological therapy. The Diocese established in May,
2003 a Review Board which consists of six members. The members include
four attorneys, one physician and one pastor. 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 has had no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to report to
public authorities, but diocesan policy provides for such reporting in the
event an allegation is received in the future. 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. Although there have been no
allegations of sexual abuse where the person is no longer a minor, the
Diocese has in place a policy and procedure for reporting any such cases
to the civil authorities. The policy of the Diocese is that all
victims/survivors will be advised of their right to report allegations of
abuse by a member of the clergy to civil authorities.
The policy of
the Diocese provides that when an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by
a priest or deacon is received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony
with canon law, will be initiated. Policy provides that if a preliminary
investigation so indicates, the Diocese will notify the Congregation for
the Doctrine of Faith and apply the precautionary measures mentioned in
CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473. Policy also provides that should an
accusation against a priest or a deacon be proven unfounded, the Diocese
would take steps to restore the good name of the priest or deacon.
Diocesan policy provides that if 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 offending priest or deacon will be
permanently removed from ministry. Diocesan policy also provides for an
offer professional assistance to offending priests or deacons.
Diocesan policy provides that in every case involving canonical
penalties, the processes provided for in canon law will be observed. It is
diocesan policy that accused clergy will be encouraged to retain the
assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the Diocese
will supply canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
Diocesan
policy provides that if the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state
has not been applied, the Bishop will direct the offender to lead a life
of prayer and penance. The Bishop will 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 that reflects the Bishop's pledge to
be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children.
Diocesan policy provides for assistance and support for all parish
communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Diocese has fully
implemented a "safe environment" education program. The educational
program for clergy and educators is “Child Abuse Awareness Training.” The
educational program for children, parents and 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.
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 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.