2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Wichita
Vacant See
Previous Audit Conducted 07/14
–18/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 08/16-19/2004.
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. Three victim/survivors made allegations against three priests
(deceased) during this audit period. 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 Diocese has not
had any faith communities 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, Kit Lambertz, who is a
Licensed Masters of Social Work, with over 30 years experience in social
service and healthcare positions. The diocese established in 2002 a Review
Board, which consists of seven members. The members include a retired
police officer, a retired pediatric neurologist, a District Court Judge
for the State of Kansas, a medical social worker, a professor of sociology
at Wichita State University, a Monsignor and a priest, who ministers to
the Hispanic Community. The Board serves as a confidential consultative
body to the Archbishop/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
a confidentiality agreement 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 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 what the Federal Title IV Safe and Drug-Free
School funds purchased for safe environment program named, “Second Step”;
the educational program for parents is Virtus; the educational program for
ministers is Virtus; the educational program for educators is Virtus; and
the educational program for 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 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.