ALLENTOWN (PA)
The Morning Call
June 5, 2019
By Paul Muschick
You may not be surprised to learn that another review has found shortcomings with the Catholic church’s efforts to prevent clergy sexual abuse of children.
What’s interesting is this review came from within the church.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently released its annual audit about whether dioceses are complying with conference rules enacted in 2002 to stop abuse, and to deal with the aftermath of it.
The study found a “heightened sense of urgency and focus” in many dioceses in 2018. It also uncovered recurring problems, including failure to train or check the backgrounds of clergy, employees and volunteers who have contact with children.
Incredibly, three eparchies — they’re similar to a diocese but don’t have geographic boundaries — refused to participate in the review.
That’s like slamming the door in Jesus’ face when he comes knocking with a question.
Auditors visited 72 of the nation’s 197 dioceses and eparchies, including Philadelphia and Greensburg. The others, including Allentown, were audited through a 12-page questionnaire.
Allentown passed. It told auditors that students, clergy, teachers, employees and volunteers had received safe environment training and the adults underwent background checks, according to a diocese news release.
Allentown is scheduled for an on-site review in the 2020 audit, diocese spokesman Matt Kerr said.
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