Bishops and abuse

TOLEDO (OH)
Toldeo Blade

April 18, 2020

A nationwide third-party reporting system is in place for sexual abuse-related complaints against bishops in the Catholic Church. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops authorized the development of Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting System in June, in response to Pope Francis’ May Apostolic Letter Vos estis lux mundi addressing sexual abuse and bishop accountability.

The new reporting system is operated by Convercent, Inc., described as an independent, third-party entity responsible for transmitting confidential reports both to the Holy See and to the local metropolitan archbishop responsible for initially assessing reports. Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis Schnurr presides over Ohio, including the Diocese of Toledo.

The new system does not replace existing protocols for reporting complaints against priests, deacons religious or laity. Confidential report regarding a bishop can be submitted online at ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling 800- 276-1562.

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