Buffalo Diocese Releases Code of Conduct for Clergy, Policies for Responding to Allegations

By Jim Eckstrom
Olean Times Herald
September 24, 2019

http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/buffalo-diocese-releases-code-of-conduct-for-clergy-policies-for/article_855296aa-b75f-58e9-a3fe-ad63c3aef324.html

The Diocese of Buffalo on Tuesday released two new documents addressing sexual misconduct and abuse by diocesan priests.

One document is a code of pastoral conduct for clergy, while the second is an adult sexual misconduct policy and procedures.

“Bishops, priests, and deacons must uphold Christian values and conduct,” the code of pastoral conduct document states. “The Code of Pastoral Conduct for Clergy provides a set of standards for conduct in certain pastoral situations. This Code of Conduct applies to all Clergy that live and serve in the Diocese of Buffalo. Seminarians, since they aspire to ordination, are also called to conduct themselves according to this Code of Conduct.”

The diocese released the documents as it is facing a flood of sexual misconduct lawsuits, resulting from claims of priest abuse. Many of the claims date back decades.