The Bishop Writes

(From the Dec. 5, 2002 edition of the Inland Register)

November 25, 2002

Dear People of God:

Over the past year, you have read many stories about charges of child sexual abuse by some Catholic priests. It is of little comfort that most of the offenses occurred more than a decade ago, and involved only a few of our priests. To the victims, none of that matters. The wounds are as painful today as when they were first inflicted.

During this same year, I have publicly acknowledged these crimes, tried to reach out to the victims, seek justice for the perpetrators, and done whatever I possibly could to ensure that children, youth, and vulnerable adults are protected.

I have worked with other bishops from across the United States to draft a framework of rules, or norms, that provide protection, transparency, and accountability. Most importantly, I have met with some of the victims, and I know their sense of betrayal is as real today as it was when the crimes occurred.

I would like to briefly touch on how the bishops’ work will – and will not – affect our policies in the Spokane Diocese.

First, the policy of the Spokane Diocese is unchanged. I will immediately remove from ministry any priest who admits or is found guilty of even a single incident of abuse.

Secondly, we will continue to immediately report all allegations of abuse to the police, and we encourage victims to do the same.Reporting suspected abuse is an important step in restoring trust in the church and seeing that perpetrators are brought to justice. With that in mind, the bishops in Washington State are working with legislators to reinstate the legal requirement that clergy report cases of suspected abuse.

Thirdly, I will continue to utilize outside, non-Catholic expertise to help assess the credibility of abuse allegations. To ensure that the process remains fair and transparent, I have renewed my pledge to the Diocesan Review Board that if, after reviewing a case, they disagree with my decision, they can go public with their differences.

I have met with some of the victims, and their pain and sense of betrayal is as real today as it was when the crimes occurred. I pledge to them that I will continue to look for ways to help heal their wounds and to work with victim support groups. I want to hear what parishioners think of the revised policies, and get their views on how we can best protect the children of this diocese.

To achieve that end I have asked all of the pastors to decide how best to obtain feedback from you, especially the mothers and fathers in our parishes, regarding the new policies the bishops adopted, and the issues which concern you most and for which you would like further information. As a guide, I will be providing a questionnaire that each of you can fill out, if you’d like, and give it back to your pastor for relaying to my office. You will also be able to respond to the questionnaire either through the diocese’s website or through a mailback insert you will receive with an upcoming edition of the Inland Register.

It is very important that I hear from you regarding your thoughts and feelings on these issues and other critical matters confronting our beloved Church.

Finally, as I travel throughout the diocese, I have been asked many questions regarding this very complicated, very emotional issue that challenges our faith and trust. I have identified the questions asked most often and attached answers that I hope you will take time to review.

We all want the same thing – to ensure that children, youth and vulnerable adults are protected. With God’s help, we will work together to achieve that goal.

I send my most profound thanks to you and your families for all that you do in building God’s Kingdom here in Eastern Washington.

Your Brother in Christ,

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