2004 Audit Executive Summary: Eparchy of Our Lady of Deliverance, Union City, NJ

Eparch Joseph Younan
Previous Audit Conducted 9/30 – 10/3/2003

The information found herein represents conditions as they were found to exist during the week of September 21-23, 2004.

Findings

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

The Eparchy has a policy on the prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. There has never been a reported incident of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy. The Eparchy has a program to provide outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their families. A policy exists for the Eparch or his representative to meet with, or offer to meet with, any victim/survivor who has reported allegations of abuse since the last compliance audit. The Eparch or his delegate has not had a need to direct outreach to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse occurred although the Eparchy has committed to do so in the event of a reported incident. The Eparchy 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 Eparchy has a victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Mufid Al-Najaar, M. D. who is a licensed psychiatrist who has 35 years of experience in private practice. The Eparchy established its Review Board in 2003 which consists of five members. The members include a doctor, a parent who is the Chairperson , a practicing psychologist and two priests. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the Eparch.

The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are available in printed form, and are subject of periodic public announcements. The Eparchy 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 Eparchy did not report any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities since the last compliance audit as no allegations were made. The Eparchy complies with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The Eparchy has established effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. The Eparchy has agreed to cooperate with public authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor.

In all instances, the Eparchy has established a procedure to advise any 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, will be initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the Eparchy will 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, the Eparchy has committed to take steps to restore the good name of the priest or deacon.

When sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a deacon is admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord with canon law, the Eparchial policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be permanently removed from ministry. The Eparchy has established a procedure to offer professional assistance to offending priests or deacons.

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

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

The Eparchy has established clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests and deacons. A communications policy is in effect which reflects the Eparch’s pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children. The Eparchy has committed to 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 Eparchy will fully implement a "safe environment" education program by the end of the current academic year. The educational program for children, parents, ministers and educators is “Protecting God’s Children” by Virtus. The Eparchy has clear and well publicized standards of conduct for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The Eparchy conducts background evaluations for all eparchial and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement resources where permissible. The Eparchy employs adequate screening and evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for ordination.

The Eparchy has not transferred any priest or deacon for ministerial assignment since the last audit. The Eparchy has agreed that the transfer of any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to another eparchy for residence, will entail providing the proper notification to the new Archdiocese/diocese/eparchy of residence.

The Eparch, or his designee, has coordinated with major superiors of men with a presence in the Eparchy concerning addressing the issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Eparchy has not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions in the area of sexual abuse. The Eparchy has 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 Archdiocese/diocese/eparchy 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.