Child protection update
Each year, I write to the dioceses and archdioceses where we live and work, informing the ordinaries of our efforts to maintain and promote healthy and safe environments in all of our sponsored institutional ministries. I am also required to provide a report to the members of the province concerning any allegations of inappropriate behavior as well as any legal costs incurred during the previous year.
We continue our commitment to the protection of children and to the standards adopted by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), accredited through the Praesidium Religious Services. Our five-year accreditation extends until July 2020, and there are now yearly reviews by Praesidium to ensure all standards are being met. I thank
Bro. Joe Kamis and the province community directors for their assistance in this accreditation process.
The new standards adopted last year by CMSM address emerging areas of concern: appropriate use of social media by members, pornography, transparency in reporting, accountability by members living outside of the normal community structures for such accountability, and the rights of accused members under civil and canon law. Following the recommendation of the National Advisory Council, CMSM hired
Fr. Jerry McGlone, SJ, long associated with Guest House, as the new associate director for protection of minors.
During the past year, the province addressed one case of a boundary violation by a member. No other misconduct was reported. We were able to settle four cases of historical abuse with pay-outs of just over $800,000 for counseling and settlements. Additional legal fees cost the province approximately $100,000.
There are three remaining legal cases; we hope these can be resolved before the end of this administration. Barring any change in the statute of limitations in various states, I sincerely hope that the next administration will be less preoccupied with these historical cases. At the end of July, Bro. Bernard Hartman concluded his prison term in Australia and has returned to the province.
I want to thank the members of the province for careful compliance to our child protection policies, for fidelity to the annual training sessions, and for the efforts to guarantee safe and healthy environments for those we serve. We must remain vigilant and worthy of the trust others have placed in us as religious and ministers.
The theme of the recent CMSM Assembly was "All Brothers - Mediators of God's Love." May we be credible witnesses to our common brotherhood and mediate God's love in service to the People of God.
