RHODE ISLAND
Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence
(In response to inquiries from NBC 10 about Diocesan response to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, the Diocese offers the following information.)
The Diocese of Providence has been and continues to be very aggressive in responding to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, while respecting the rights of all involved parties. A recent regularly scheduled audit of the Diocese by the audit firm of StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, NY, has confirmed that the Diocese is in full compliance with the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
There are no priests currently in ministry of any sort in the Diocese of Providence who have had credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors lodged against them.
The Diocese reports every allegation of sexual abuse of minors to the Rhode Island State Police or other local law enforcement agencies. That reporting includes charges that date back many years, sometimes decades, even in some cases in which the accused individual is deceased. It should be noted that the Diocese communicates regularly with law enforcement agencies about a variety of issues having nothing to do with sexual abuse.
The Diocese is committed to working with victims of sexual abuse to ensure that they receive the personal, pastoral and spiritual assistance they need and deserve. Also, to promote the protection of our children and youth in the future, the Diocese has implemented a comprehensive and effective program of safe environment training for all parishes, schools, religious education and youth ministry programs of the Diocese.
In dealing with all matters related to the sexual abuse of minors, the response of the Diocese is directed by the Diocesan Review Board, composed of competent members of the Church and community, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
Because of the ongoing investigation of some past incidents of sexual abuse, the Diocese is unable to comment further on specific details of these situations.
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