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The Catholic Standard and Times

Archdiocese Aggressively Implements Charter
17,000 Trained—New Review of Old Cases
18 December 2003

In June 2003, the Archdiocese comprehensively reported to all the faithful the steps that were being taken to implement the United States Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Essential Norms related to this Charter and the archdiocesan Alvaré Commission Report (Commission on the Protection of Children and Clerical Conduct). At that time, the Archdiocese described the various measures that already existed as well as new policies and procedures being implemented in order to strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Archdiocese to do everything possible to prevent future sexual abuse of minors and to offer pastoral assistance to victims of such abuse.

Cardinal Bevilacqua appointed an Archdiocesan Review Board in accord with the Bishops' Charter. This group functions as a confidential, consultative body to the Archbishop, advising in the assessment of allegations of abuse, suitability for ministry and reviewing archdiocesan policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Several of the Board members were also members of the archdiocesan Alvaré Commission.

The Secretary for Clergy requested, and Cardinal Bevilacqua approved, that the Archdiocesan Review Board examine not only any new allegations made since 2002 but any case which the Archdiocese previously reviewed where allegations against a priest were not substantiated. These cases involve allegations reported by adults concerning activity that occurred many years ago when they were teenagers. The Secretary for Clergy determined that such cases warranted further investigation and review in light of the purpose and intent of the Bishops' Charter, the Alvaré Commission and the now available resources for such reviews. These resources include research by a professional investigator, current clinical evaluations as well as the review by the Archdiocesan Review Board. Monsignor Lynn stated that "the expertise of the members of the Review Board and the skills of the professional investigators have helped to bring new information forward in cases where there were uncertainties before. I am grateful for the sensitivity and compassionate concern exhibited by the Board members to the victims and the priests."

As a result of the review called for by the Secretary for Clergy, it has been determined that allegations of sexual misconduct with teenagers against four priests are deemed credible. Over the past several weeks, these four priests have been removed from their assignments. In all these cases, the misconduct reported occurred many years ago. The priests are: Reverend Edward V. Avery, most recently Chaplain, Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia; Reverend John A. Cannon, most recently Chaplain, Saint Joseph Home for Aged, Holland; Reverend Monsignor Leonard A. Furmanski, most recently Chaplain, Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia; Reverend Francis X. Trauger, most recently Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Levittown. In accord with the Bishops' Charter and Canon Law, it is required that each priest's case be submitted to the Holy See for review.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to make every effort to comply with the spirit as well as the mandates of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. While deeply saddened by these events and realizing the pain that such news brings to everyone in the Church, Cardinal Rigali explained that "this decision is a necessary one for the protection of young people and the welfare of the Church. My prayers are offered for the victims, their families, those faith communities that are affected and our priests." His Eminence offered deep apologies to anyone who suffered sexual abuse as a child and reaffirmed that "the Archdiocese is doing and will continue to do all in its power to ensure the protection of our children and young people."

Cardinal Rigali acknowledged that the response of the Archdiocese to the Bishops' Charter represents "the intense desire of the Archdiocese to respond pastorally and compassionately to the victims of abuse and their families, to ensure a safe environment for our children and youth, as well as to respect the rights of all parties." The policies and procedures in place are helping to keep that commitment.

In order to ensure safe environments now and in the future, the Archdiocese called upon Mrs. Evelyn Brannan Tarpey and Father Gerard Mesure to coordinate the "Safe Environment Programs." To support this endeavor and ensure excellence, the Archdiocese secured the assistance of The National Catholic Risk Retention Group through their VIRTUS programs and services which support the education, awareness and training of adults in the detection and prevention of child abuse. Between September 25 and November 19, priests, deacons, directors of religious education programs and parish volunteers attended safe environment training programs held at forty-three locations throughout the Archdiocese. Of these, one program was held in Spanish and one specifically for the seminarians at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. These programs will continue in the Spring. "The purpose of these training sessions is to help adults involved in ministry and service in our Church to better understand their role as protectors, models of appropriate behavior and advocates for children," explained Mrs. Tarpey.

So far, 8500 individuals have received this training. Each session includes training regarding archdiocesan policies and procedures, responsibilities of each individual under civil law as mandated reporters, ways to recognize child abuse and ways to recognize an abuser. Each participant received a copy of the Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries, which outlines the archdiocesan code of conduct for all adults involved in service to the Church. Mrs. Tarpey elaborated that, "participants were encouraged to take what they learned at the training sessions and make it a part of discussions in their parish. We recommend that parish staffs and parish organizations review the policies, practices and habits that have developed over time in their parish, ask how these follow the Standards for Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries and foster a safe environment, and then make modifications when necessary."

Prior to this Fall program, in April 2003, all Catholic elementary school principals underwent day-long training. In September 2003, 132 members of the administrative staffs of the high schools attended a training session. Twenty-three of them will provide training for the rest of the high school staffs beginning after the Christmas break. On December 9, the grade school teachers as well as the professional and support staffs and volunteers of the parish schools attended training workshops at thirteen sites. An estimated 9,000 people participated. Mary Rochford, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Educational Services, commented that, "the coordination of this day afforded school staff members and parish elementary volunteers the opportunity to receive current training in child abuse prevention. The participants were most appreciative to receive this guidance and help." Those working in institutions under the auspices of Catholic Human Services continue to follow the state mandates and regulations established for those who work in child welfare.

Educational programs for children and young people involving age-appropriate information are being developed. Police and child abuse background checks have been and are being received for all those who have regular contact with children.

The Archdiocesan Review Board has been meeting regularly to review individual cases and has offered advice to Cardinal Rigali on a number of them. Their important work will go on. The Review Board is comprised of seven professionals, Catholic and non-Catholic, with varied expertise. The membership includes: James Amato, M.S.W., Deputy Secretary, Catholic Social Services; Ana Maria Catanzaro, R.N., M.S.N., M.A., assistant professor, LaSalle University; Angelo P. Giardino, M.D., Ph.D., pediatrician, Saint Christopher's Hospital for Children; David Ingle, Psy.D., M.A., an expert in child abuse issues; Mary Louise Johnson, Esquire, an attorney in private practice; Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Owens, Pastor, Saint Alphonsus Parish, Maple Glen; and, Anne Leigh Shenberger, L.S.W., M.S.S., Director, Southeast Region Office of Children, Youth and Families of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

This is a painful and difficult subject for everyone. No person, especially a young person, should ever fear sexual abuse. The Archdiocese continues to strengthen its policies, programs and procedures as well as to sensitize all adults to their roles in assuring a safe environment. Working together, the clergy, religious and laity will make a difference.

Anyone wishing to make a report about sexual abuse of a minor within the Archdiocese may call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at 215-587-3880. Additional information about the Safe Environment Program as well as archdiocesan policies and procedures may be found on the archdiocesan web page: WWW.archphila.org.