Last week in Chicago the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) amended the historic “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” (Charter) and proposed revised Essential Norms for submission to the Vatican for its Recognitio.  The Charter and Norms codify the ongoing strong commitment on the part of the Catholic hierarchy, including Bishop Robert J. Baker of the Diocese of Charleston.  New statistics were also released during the 3-day meeting that detailed the current scope of abuse in the Church.

The original Charter and Essential Norms were crafted in Dallas in 2002 to provide a consistent framework for the Church in the U.S. to deal in a just manner with the emerging number of sexual abuse allegations brought forth against Catholic clergy.  “Given the haste with which the Charter and Norms were drafted, there was need to revisit them and clarify the language and the applicability of the policies,” said Rev. Titus Fulcher, Director of Child Protection Services for the Diocese of Charleston.  Sections were clarified to include Deacons in the definition of cleric and to require all volunteers and clergy involved in Church ministry to undergo background checks.
 

The Diocese of Charleston has had a sexual abuse policy in place since 1997 that applied to all priests, deacons, religious, and lay staff.  In 2002 the policy was updated to include volunteers and to adopt the provisions of the Essential Norms.  “Our policies have applied to everyone involved in some ministry under the auspices of the Diocese of Charleston because we see it not simply as a contractual or legal requirement, but an obligation of the virtue of justice and Christian morality,” said Rev. Fulcher.

Statistics from the 2004 annual compliance audit revealed that between 1965 and 1974 there were 1,092 credible incidents of abuse against Catholic priests and bishops.  80% of the accused in those cases are now deceased or retired.  In 2004 there were only 22 credible allegations nationwide against all Catholic clergy.  

This represents a significant drop in the number of abuse cases taking place.  It is no coincidence that the dramatic drop in abuse cases came after the Catholic Church in the U.S. enacted and enforced a uniquely historic, effectual and comprehensive policy dealing with abusive staff.  The Catholic Church firmly supports respect for all stages of life and the dignity of every human person, especially the most vulnerable.
 

If you would like more information please call Steve Gajdosik, Director of Public Affairs, at 843.724.8375 or e-mail SGajdosik@catholic-doc.org.