In 2004, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York published an exhaustive study called The Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States 1950-2002. …
For those concerned about recent news about sexual abuse by members of the clergy and hierarchy, this report is worth reading.
Ten years ago in Dallas, Texas, in June of 2002, the United States Catholic bishops passed their Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It was a bold move to deal with the sexual abuse of minors by priests and prevent such abuse from happening again.
As we learn more about the sex abuse scandal at Penn State and reports of incidents involving pornography, rape, and sexual abuse at other colleges and universities, it might be wise for our society to pay attention to how the Catholic bishops have dealt with these issues.
To the editor:
The Diocese of Madison successfully completed an in-depth on-site audit for the 2009 to 2010 audit period. The Diocese of Madison is in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People.
Implementation of the Charter Norms can be a very labor-intensive endeavor for all of the parish and school communities within our diocese, and the diocesan offices that guide and support the various aspects of “creating safe environments.” Yet, ensuring that all those who have regular access to minors are properly cleared, trained, and supervised is without a doubt well worth the time and energy required to meet this goal to the best of our ability. In addition, educational opportunities and resources are provided to support parents, and help their children develop age-appropriate safety skills.
Almost every day we hear media reports concerning how the Catholic Church has handled cases of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. It is important for Catholics — and the public at large — to get the facts straight.
First of all, Pope Benedict XVI and countless bishops around the world have continued to repeat that sexual abuse is wrong, sinful, and must not be tolerated. For example, in his March 19th letter to the Catholics of Ireland, Pope Benedict says, “Like yourselves, I have been deeply disturbed by the information which has come to light regarding the abuse of children and vulnerable young people by members of the Church in Ireland, particularly by priests and religious. I can only share in the dismay and the sense of betrayal that so many of you have experienced on learning of these sinful and criminal acts and the way Church authorities in Ireland dealt with them.”
MADISON — The members of the Diocese of Madison’s Sexual Abuse Review Board have, after a preliminary investigation into the testimonies and facts surrounding an allegation of child-sexual abuse made against Fr. Joseph Gibbs Clauder, found the allegation to be credible.
Considering the Review Board’s findings, Bishop Robert C. Morlino has agreed with their evaluation and has referred this case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), in Rome, for judgment.
