2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Syracuse
Bishop James M. Moynihan
Previous Audit Conducted
10/6-10/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 18-22, 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/eparchy 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, Theresa
Secreti who is a former rape counselor, victim’s advocate and social
worker with over 25 years of experience in child abuse/sexual abuse
matters. The Diocese established in 2002 a Review Board which consists of
six members. The members include a retired FBI agent, a social worker, a
health care executive, a woman religious, a retired psychiatric social
worker and a priest. 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 for reasons brought forward by the
victim/survivor.
The Diocese would have reported all allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there were none
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 to be conducted promptly and objectively. 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. In one case however the investigation was
not conducted promptly. A Required Action was issued. 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
“Protecting God’s Children”; the educational program for parents,
ministers, educators and for others is “Protecting God’s Children for
Adults”. 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 employ 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 with the exception of
Article number Five. The following Required Action was
issued:
Article 5 Preliminary Investigations and
Actions
Required Action: The diocese will provide
information as to how it will promptly conduct preliminary investigations
and apply the precautionary measures In addition provide specific
information as to when diocesan procedures will resolve the status of the
accused priest whose case was described in the Required Action.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31,
2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Syracuse had
completed the required action. The diocese is found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.