2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Superior
Bishop Raphael M. Fliss
Previous Audit Conducted
September 29 - October 3, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 11-15, 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 has met with the victim/survivor who reported an
allegation of abuse since the last compliance audit. The bishop has not
had occasion to direct outreach to any faith communities because none have
been directly affected by sexual abuse. 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, Barbara Dickenson, who is a licensed
clinical social worker with a Master’s Degree in Social Science, ten years
experience as a psychotherapist, experience in juvenile courts and a
diploma in Forensic Counseling. The diocese established in 2003 a Review
Board which consists of five members. The members include a retired high
school principal, a former teacher-postal worker, the local YMCA executive
director, a former sheriff and a parent who is a high school teacher.. 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 entered into one confidentiality agreement
during the audit period at the request of the victim/survivor.
The
diocese would have reported any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to
public authorities however there were none to report 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. There have been no accusations against a priest or a deacon which
were proven to be unfounded.
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 diocesan
policy 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 assists and
supports any parish communities directly affected by ministerial
misconduct involving minors.
The diocese has fully implemented a "safe environment"
education program. The educational program for children, parents,
educators and others is Creating Safe and Sacred Places and the
educational program for ministers is Code of Conduct and Boundaries for
Clergy. 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. 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 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.