Protecting Children, Preserving Integrity

The following article by Cardinal Justin Rigali appeared as his weekly column in the January 26, 2006 edition of The Catholic Standard and Times

By Cardinal Justin Rigali

The scandal of the sexual abuse of minors by some members of the clergy has had a devastating impact on many people, particularly on the victims and their families. Through the past fifty years during which these cases were examined, the processes by which the allegations were handled were limited and, as a result, further harm has been acknowledged. I deeply regret the pain and distress which the victims have suffered. I pray daily for them and their families. I pray as well for those priests who have perpetrated these acts. Lastly, I pray that from the shadow of this scandal the entire Church, but particularly our local Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will arise more purified as a shining light and that all bishops and priests will be instruments of hope and sanctity for all of the People of God.

News of this scandal erupted across the nation in April 2002. The magnitude of this problem required the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to act swiftly in developing a common vision to guide diocesan bishops in handling these cases, in addressing the serious needs of the victims, as well as the proper and fair treatment of the perpetrators. The mandates, as outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, were accepted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at their meeting in Dallas, Texas in June 2002.

Immediate steps taken
In April 2002, in immediate response to the scandal, my predecessor Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua established The Commission on the Protection of Children and Clerical Conduct. Cardinal Bevilacqua appointed as Chair Helen Alvaré, a distinguished lawyer. Membership of the Commission reflected diverse backgrounds with appropriate expertise in addressing the sex abuse scandal and its impact. The members were: Hon. Arlin Marvin Adams, Retired Judge; Ana Maria Catanzaro, R.N., Ph.D., Research Fellow; Michael J. Emmi, Retired CEO; Angel P. Giardino, M.D., Ph.D., Pediatrician; David Ingle, Psy.D., M.A., Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Philip Jenkins, Ph. D., Professor; Joan Reeves, M.S.W., M.S.S., Director, Southeast Region, Office of Children, Youth and Families; and John Timoney, Former Police Commissioner.

This commission of highly-regarded experts reviewed the existing policies and procedures utilized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at that time in handling allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. Along with those policies and procedures, the Commission examined the manner in which care was provided to victims. Also carefully reviewed was the admission process used by the Archdiocese for the admission of candidates for Holy Orders. After months of review and study besides various commendations, the Commission also offered over 100 recommendations. Since then, an overwhelming majority of these recommendations have been implemented.

In compliance with the Dallas Charter, the Archdiocese established in 2002 the Office for Child and Youth Protection. Within this office, the Safe Environment Program and the Victim Assistance Program are coordinated. In accord with the efforts of providing a safe environment within the parishes, schools and institutions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, all priests, deacons, as well as parish staff and volunteers over the age of 18 are required to obtain a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check as well as a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.

The Safe Environment Program is required for all priests, deacons, staff and volunteers who have regular contact with children. Through video presentations, case studies and discussions, participants understand their role as protectors of children, models of appropriate behavior, and advocates for the young. It is significant to note that our recent report to the national Office of Child and Youth Protection showed that 33,052 clergy, religious and lay adults involved in ministry and service to children have participated in this training in 2003. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia prepared Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries for Priests, Deacons, Religious, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff and Volunteers. The Standards, which are reviewed at the Safe Environment Training sessions, outline clearly a code of conduct which reflects the Church’s integrity, particularly in its ministry to youth. Following this review, participants acknowledge in writing that they agree to and will abide by the Standards.

The Office for Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia designed a program entitled “Teaching, Touching, Safety,” geared to the age-appropriate education of children in understanding personal boundaries and engaging in healthy relationships. Our recent audit indicated that 138,917 students (pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade) in parish schools and religious education programs participated in this program. A program entitled “Creating Safe and Sacred Places” was designed by the Office for Catholic Education for high school-aged youths. This training has been given to 21,035 high school students.

Parents are the first educators and protectors of their children. The Archdiocese has responded to the needs of parents to enhance their awareness by providing resources and education available through the Safe Environment Program. The audited report also showed that 14,700 videos and guides have been distributed to parents.

A comprehensive service of Victim Assistance is also in place. The Victim Assistance Coordinator Program provides confidential services to those who have suffered sexual abuse as minors. Licensed social workers are involved in this program, which assists the victim and family in seeking counseling as well as in filing reports to the proper authorities. This assistance is directed toward providing mental health assessment and spiritual guidance which will lead to healing for the victims and their families. Regularly, information about the Victim Assistance Program is offered through parish communications so that people remain aware that these services are available.

Lastly, in accord with the mandates of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People as well as the Essential Norms, a consultative body known as the Archdiocesan Review Board was established in October 2002. The board functions in a confidential manner and offers advice to the Archbishop in examining allegations of sexual abuse, in assessing the suitability for ministry of a priest if allegations have been made, as well as in the ongoing review of policies and procedures of the Archdiocese in handling allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor.

All of these programs demonstrate the commitment of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and my own personal commitment to vigilance in the area of sexual abuse of minors. While the entire Archdiocese has been harmed by the transgressions of those who perpetrated these acts, we can be hopeful that these aberrations will not occur in the future. We will move forward in the healing love of Jesus Christ who makes all things new ( cf. Rev 21: 5). In moving forward, and as announced in this week’s edition of the CS&T, we welcome the support and expertise of Ms. Mary Achilles. She will assist the Archdiocese in enhancing its outreach to victims of sexual abuse. Her guidance will help us to better understand the needs of victims and respond more effectively.

Integrity in the Celibate Vocation
On April 23, 2002, Pope John Paul II met with the Cardinals of the United States concerning the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. At that time, our late Holy Father stated: “Like you, I, too, have been deeply grieved by the fact that priests and Religious, whose vocation it is to help people live holy lives in the sight of God, have themselves caused such suffering and scandal to the young.” Pope John Paul II went on to say: “We must be confident that this time of trial will bring a purification of the entire Catholic community, a purification that is urgently needed if the Church is to preach more effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its liberating force.”

My brother bishops and priests recognize this time as a trial and as a moment to arise from darkness. For all in Holy Orders and Consecrated Life, these events have demonstrated the sublime power of the celibate vocation lived in integrity. We also observe the devastation caused when celibacy is not lived with conviction. I previously have exhorted my brother priests to fidelity to God’s commandments, to Christ’s Gospel and to our own priestly dedication to celibate chastity. Through these, we will find strength to serve all of God’s people, as the Church intends us to do.

January 26, 2006