2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Eparchy of Our Lady of Deliverance, Union City, NJ
Eparch Joseph Younan
Previous Audit Conducted 9/30 –
10/3/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of September 21-23, 2004.
The Eparchy has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. There has never been a
reported incident of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy.
The Eparchy has a program to provide outreach designed to offer pastoral
care to victims/survivors and their families. A policy exists for the
Eparch or his representative to meet with, or offer to meet with, any
victim/survivor who has reported allegations of abuse since the last
compliance audit. The Eparch or his delegate has not had a need to direct
outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse occurred
although the Eparchy has committed to do so in the event of a reported
incident. The 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 Eparchy has a victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Mufid Al-Najaar,
M. D. who is a licensed psychiatrist who has 35 years of experience in
private practice. The Eparchy established its Review Board in 2003 which
consists of five members. The members include a doctor, a parent who is
the Chairperson , a practicing psychologist and two priests. The Board
serves as a confidential consultative body to the Eparch.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are available in printed
form, and are subject of periodic public announcements. The Eparchy has
not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the audit period.
The
Eparchy did not report any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to
public authorities since the last compliance audit as no allegations were
made. The Eparchy complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to
the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil
authorities. The Eparchy has established effective liaison with civil
authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse
allegations will occur. The Eparchy has agreed to cooperate with public
authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor.
In all instances, the Eparchy has established a procedure to advise any
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, will be
initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the Eparchy will
notify the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and apply 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 Eparchy has committed to take 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
Eparchial policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be
permanently removed from ministry. The Eparchy has established a procedure
to offer professional assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every case involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for
in canon law will be observed. Accused clergy will be encouraged to retain
the assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the Eparchy
has agreed to supply canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state has not been
applied, the Eparchy will direct the offender to lead a life of prayer and
penance. The Eparchy will not allow the offender to celebrate Mass
publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as
a priest.
The Eparchy has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Eparch’s pledge to be open and transparent on
issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The Eparchy has committed
to assist and support all parish communities directly affected by
ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Eparchy will fully implement a "safe
environment" education program by the end of the current academic year.
The educational program for children, parents, ministers and educators is
“Protecting God’s Children” by Virtus. The Eparchy has clear and well
publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with
regard to sexual abuse. The Eparchy conducts background evaluations for
all eparchial and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors,
using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The Eparchy
employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the
fitness of candidates for ordination.
The Eparchy has not transferred any priest or deacon for ministerial
assignment since the last audit. The Eparchy has agreed that the transfer
of any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse
made against him to another eparchy for residence, will entail providing
the proper notification to the new Archdiocese/diocese/eparchy of
residence.
The Eparch, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors of
men with a presence in the Eparchy concerning addressing the issue of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Eparchy has not had
the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions in the
area of sexual abuse. The Eparchy has 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/diocese/eparchy was found to be
compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People.