2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Archdiocese of the Military Services (AMS), USA
Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien Previous Audit Conducted
10/13–17/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of 11/15-19/2004.
The Archdiocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Archbishop or his representative has met with, or offered to
meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse
since the last compliance audit. The Archbishop or his delegate has
directed outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred. The Archdiocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to
any allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a
minor occurred. It is noted that because of the uniqueness of the AMS,
they act only as an “endorsing agent” for priests from other dioceses who
serve as chaplains in the military or with VA hospitals, most of the
outreach function is more appropriately conducted by the incardinating
diocese.
The Archdiocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Erin Joyce, who is
a registered nurse, with experience in child and adult trauma care. The
Archdiocese established, in 2002, a Review Board that consists of five
members. The members include a priest/psychologist; a woman religious who
has 35 years experience as an educator; a Brigadier General (Retired); a
medical doctor/psychiatrist; and a US Navy Captain, who is the Fleet Judge
Advocate for the US Atlantic Fleet. The Board serves as a confidential
consultative body to the Archbishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in
printed form and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The
Archdiocese has not entered into any confidentiality agreements during the
audit period.
Because of the uniqueness of this Archdiocese, the
Archdiocese did not report any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to
public authorities since the last compliance audit, as it is the
responsibility of the incardinating diocese to handle this function. They
did report all allegations to the incardinating diocese. The Archdiocese
complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of
allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The
Archdiocese has not established liaison with civil authorities because of
their unique mission. The Archdiocese cooperates with the incardinating
diocese and public authorities about reporting in cases when the person is
no longer a minor. In all instances, the Archdiocese advises
victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a
member of the clergy to civil authorities.
When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon is
received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony with canon law, is
initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the Archdiocese
notifies the incardinating diocese, which then has the responsibility to
notify the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and apply the
precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473.
When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be unfounded,
prior to notifying the incardinating diocese, the Archdiocese takes steps
to restore the good name of the priest or deacon.
The Archdiocese does not get involved in the canonical process, as they
would have referred the matter to the incardinating diocese prior to this
process beginning. Additionally, the AMS would have removed the
“endorsement” of the accused priest. In every case involving canonical
penalties, the processes provided for in canon law are observed.
The Archdiocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of
ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is
in effect which reflects the Archbishop’s pledge to be open and
transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The
Archdiocese does not assist and support all parish communities directly
affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors, as this would be a
function performed by the incardinating diocese.
The Archdiocese has, in conjunction with
the military services, fully implemented a "safe environment" education
program. The Archdiocese, because of its unique mission, is not
responsible for the education of children, parents, educators or others.
The education program for ministers provided by the military services is
the Family Advocacy Program. The Archdiocese, in conjunction with the
military services and the incardinating dioceses, conducts background
evaluations for all Archdiocesan personnel who have regular contact with
minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The
Archdiocese does not have any candidates for ordination.
The Archdiocese is not in a position to transfer any priest or deacon
who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to
another ministerial assignment since the last audit, as they can only
remove his “endorsement.” The Archdiocese is not in a position to transfer
any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse
made against him to another diocese/eparchy for residence, as they can
only remove his ‘endorsement” which causes him to be returned to his
incardinating diocese.
The Archbishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors
of men with a presence in the Archdiocese concerning addressing the issue
of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Archdiocese has
not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions
in the area of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese has, in conjunction with the
military services, developed a systematic ongoing formation program in
keeping with the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.
At the conclusion of this compliance audit,
the Archdiocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.