2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Winona, Minnesota
Name of Bishop Bernard J. Harrington
Previous Audit
Conducted 7/28 –8/1//2003
were found to exist during the week of 8/30-9/1/2004
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 directs outreach to
faith communities but inasmuch as there have been no substantiated
allegations of sexual abuse, it has not been necessary this period. 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, Mrs.
P.J. Thompson, who is a Human Resources professional with training in
sexual misconduct matters and who works collaboratively with outside
professionals in the field. The diocese established in 2002 a Review Board
which consists of 7 members. The members include a CPA, an attorney, a
parish priest, a police detective, a licensed social worker, a child abuse
counselor and a Monsignor who acts as the Promoter of Justice. 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 not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the audit
period.
The diocese does report all allegations of sexual abuse
of a minor to public authorities however, there have been no such
incidents during this period. 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 Restorative Justice in the Classroom and the
Family Life Series; the educational program for parents is Hear Their
Cries and Bless Our Children a video package; the educational program for
ministers and educators is Safe and Sacred: Protecting All God’s Children;
and the educational program for others is Hear Their Cries and Bless Our
Children a video package. 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 “Choice
Point “ as the provider and 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 for residency since the
last audit.
The bishop, or his designee, has not coordinated with
major superiors of men with a presence in the diocese 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 istitutions 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.