2004 Audit Executive Summary: Eparchy of St. George in Canton

Bishop John Michael Botean, DD
Previous Audit Conducted 10/27 - 30 /2003

The information found herein represents conditions as they were found to exist during the week of 11/8 – 12/2004.

Findings

To Promote Healing and Reconciliation (Articles 1, 2 and 3)

The diocese has a policy on the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese has a policy which provides for outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their families. The bishop or his representative has not had to meet with, or has not had to offer to meet with any victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse since the last compliance audit since there have been no incidents. The bishop or his delegate has not had the occasion for outreach to all faith communities in which sexual abuse occurred as there were no cases. The diocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to any allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor occurred.

The diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Carol Ann Gall, who is a volunteer in the parish of St. Helena with over 30 years experience in various departments with the Cleveland Clinic. The diocese established in 2003 a Review Board which consists of 5 members. The members include the pastor of a parish, a licensed social worker, a practicing attorney who was a former county prosecutor, a female parent and an executive with a well known foundation. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the bishop.

The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic public announcements. The diocese has not entered into a confidentiality agreement during the audit period.


To Guarantee Effective Response to Allegations of Abuse of a Minor (Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7)

The diocese would have had reported allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however there were none since the last compliance audit. The diocese would comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities but there has been no occasion to do so during this audit period. The diocese has established effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. The diocese has a policy in place to cooperate with public authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor if an incident should occur. In all instances, the diocese has a policy in place to advise all victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil authorities should an incident occur.

If an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon were to be received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony with canon law, would be initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicated, the diocese would notify the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and apply the precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon 1473. If accusations against a priest or a deacon were proven to be unfounded, the diocese would take steps to restore the good name of the priest or deacon.

If sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a deacon were admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord with canon law, the diocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be permanently removed from ministry. The diocese would offer professional assistance to offending priests or deacons.

In every case involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law would be observed. Accused clergy would be encouraged to retain the assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the diocese would supply canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.

If the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state were to be applied, the diocese would direct the offender to lead a life of prayer and penance. The diocese would not allow the offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to present himself publicly as a priest.

The diocese has established clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is in effect which reflects the bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The diocese would assist and support all parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.


To Protect the Faithful in the Future (Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17)

The diocese has implemented a "safe environment" education program by aligning itself with the Roman Catholic dioceses in which their parishes and missions are located throughout the United States. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has enabled all priests, deacons, etc., in the Canton diocese to enroll in their VIRTUS programs. Since there are no diocesan schools and since there are only approximately 5,000 members throughout the U.S., most of which are elderly, the diocese does not believe it is feasible or economically viable to have their own program for children. They rely on the school systems, both public and private, to provide training for children. For example, the State of Ohio requires such training programs in all schools; the educational program for parents is “Smarter Parents, Safer Children”; the educational program for ministers is “Protecting God’s Children”; the diocese has no educators since there are no schools; and the educational program for others is “Protecting God’s Children.” The diocese has clear and well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The diocese conducts background evaluations for all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The diocese employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination.

Since there have been no allegations or incidents, the diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another ministerial assignment since the last audit. Since there have been no allegations or incidents, the diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another eparchy for residence since the last audit.

The bishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors of men with a presence in the diocese concerning addressing the issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The diocese has not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions in the area of sexual abuse. The diocese has developed a systematic ongoing formation program in keeping with the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests.


Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter

At the conclusion of this compliance audit, the diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

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Office of Child & Youth Protection | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.





Office of Child & Youth Protection | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.