Document Archive

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua
April 2002

Establishing the Commission on the Protection of Children and Clerical Conduct

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia always has had a fundamental commitment to the protection of our children, to the education of our clergy and to the strengthening of our policies and procedures regarding the appropriate conduct of our clergy. In an ongoing effort to enhance this commitment, Cardinal Bevilacqua has established a commission to review matters related to incidents of clerical sexual misconduct to be called The Commission on the Protection of Children and Clerical Conduct.

Operating Assumptions

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is committed to responding with promptness, sensitivity and compassion to the specific incidents of abuse of minors by clergy which are reported to us, to assisting victims of such abuse in the healing process, and to doing all that is possible to prevent such incidents in the future. Every effort is made to deal with those involved in incidents of clerical misconduct with the utmost sensitivity and compassion.

The Archdiocese has, in fact, addressed issues of clerical misconduct in a pro-active manner. Policies and procedures are in place and have been followed in response to allegations. All existing policies, procedures and practices are in full conformity with both civil and canon law and with the best medical/scientific knowledge available about such problems.

Programs as well as appropriate policies and procedures which address these issues are in place for the formation of candidates for Holy Orders, though additional initiatives may be warranted in light of recent concerns.

Current policies and procedures should be reviewed and further developed, especially with regard to the care provided to victims and the conduct of clergy of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Expert lectures and the opportunity for discussions as part of the continuing formation of clergy are offered in order to address these issues. Nonetheless, additional workshops or other opportunities for all clergy to address these issues in a more comprehensive manner should be considered in the future.

Goal of the Commission

To provide the Archbishop with recommendations which enable him to do his utmost to:

1. protect children by eradicating as much as possible any sexual abuse of them by clergy,

2. strengthen Catholic solidarity and outreach for victims and their families,

3. form and support the clergy in their ministry to all people, and

4. strengthen the confidence and trust of the Catholic faithful and the community at large.

Tasks of the Commission

The Commission will have the general charge of undertaking a review of current policies and procedures regarding clerical misconduct and, if deemed appropriate, of recommending revisions and additional policies, procedures or programmatic initiatives for the consideration of the Archbishop.

The review will include the following:

1. current policies and procedures regarding the care for victims;

2. current policies and procedures regarding the Archdiocesan response to any allegation of clergy sexual abuse;

3. current admission process for candidates for Holy Orders for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as well as relevant formation programs;

4. past and current programs for continuing formation of clergy serving in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Additional policies, procedures and programmatic initiatives which the Commission might consider include the following:

1. the recommendation of protocols for clergy regarding conduct with minors;

2. the recommendation that there be a standing committee to advise the Archbishop regarding the handling of specific allegations;

3. the recommendation of additional programs for the continued intellectual, spiritual and psychological formation of priests in the areas of human sexuality, intimacy and celibacy.

Commission Composition

1.The Commission will be composed of 7 - 9 qualified lay persons.

2.Commission members will have requisite expertise in areas such as behavioral health care, law, social services and human resource management.

3.The Commission will have the benefit of consultation from individuals with expertise in various related areas including: Canon Law, Civil Law, Behavioral Sciences and Communications as well as staff support provided through the Office of the Vicar for Administration.

Time Frame

After all members have been appointed, the Commission will have six months to complete its work and submit recommendations to the Archbishop.