2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Tulsa
Bishop Edward J. Slattery
Previous Audit Conducted
7/14-18/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 8/23-27/2004.
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. In the past, the bishop or his delegate
has directed outreach to all faith communities in which any sexual abuse
allegedly occurred. 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, Quentin Henley, who is a licensed clinical social worker
assigned to Catholic Charities. The diocese established in 2002 a Review
Board which consists of eight members. The members include a senior
vice-president and general counsel of a corporation, businessman and
former Mayor of Tulsa, school teacher, child psychotherapist, child
psychologist, FBI Agent, general counsel of a corporation and ordained
deacon and a parish 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 subject of
periodic public announcements. The diocese has not entered into
confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
The diocese reported all
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities 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. 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 would direct the
offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The diocese does not allow
offenders to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to
present themselves 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 with the exception of children in the public schools who
require religious education. A Required Action was issued. The educational
program for parochial school children is “Second Step” and “Safe Children
Coalition” and the educational program for parents, ministers, educators
and others is Virtus. 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/eparchy for residence
during this audit period.
The bishop, or his designee, has
met in the past and will continue to do so in the future as needed to
coordinate 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 12.
Required Action: Article 12 Provide a
safe environment training program for public school children in religious
education classes and provide the number trained.
Compliance
with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December
31, 2004, the diocese of Tulsa 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.