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Radio New Zealand - RNZ [Wellington, New Zealand]
October 8, 2025
By Mark Rabago, RNZ
The Catholic Diocese of Chalan Kanoa in the Northern Marianas (CNMI) has issued a sweeping update to its child protection policy, aligning with US church standards and Commonwealth law in a bid to prevent abuse and strengthen accountability.
The new framework, promulgated by decree of Bishop Romeo Convocar, establishes a zero-tolerance policy for clergy or church workers found guilty of abusing minors.
A single act of sexual abuse now results in permanent removal from ministry, with dismissal from the clerical state pursued where warranted.
The policy requires mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to CNMI civil authorities.
Under the Commonwealth Code, all clergy, employees, and volunteers are mandated reporters and must first notify Child Protective Services or the Department of Public Safety before informing diocesan officials. The sacramental seal of confession remains the only exception.
To bolster prevention, the diocese has introduced annual safe-environment training, strict background checks for clergy, employees, and volunteers, and age-appropriate education for children and youth on recognising grooming and unsafe situations.
All church personnel must sign and abide by a Code of Conduct that prohibits one-on-one unsupervised interactions, private messaging with minors, and inappropriate physical contact.
Oversight will be carried out by an independent review board, made up mostly of lay professionals in psychology, social work, canon law, and civil law, which advises the bishop on allegations and safeguarding policies.
A newly structured Safe-Environment and Protection Office will track compliance, conduct annual audits of parishes and schools, and publish safeguarding summaries for transparency.
The Diocese has also designated a victim assistance coordinator to help survivors and families access counseling, medical support, and pastoral care, while ensuring regular updates on case progress.
The updated protocols replace the diocese’s 2014 safeguarding guidelines and bring them into alignment with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Church officials said the reforms are intended to foster “a culture of accountability and care” while making sure the Diocese fully complies with CNMI law and cooperates with civil investigations.
Leo Tudela, a survivor of the clergy sex abuse scandal within the Archdiocese of Agaña, Guam, welcomed the new decree, saying he appreciates it but would like to have a conversation with Convocar about the matter.