DRAFT
DRAFT
Committee proposal
Provisions of an ad hoc committee proposal being considered by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops starting today in Dallas.
Dioceses will have a review board, made up mostly of laypeople who do not work for the diocese, to assess allegations and advise the bishop on the offender's fitness for ministry.
Dioceses will not enter into civil confidentiality agreements except for substantial reasons brought forward by the victim.
Dioceses will report any accusation of sexual abuse of a minor to the proper authorities and cooperate in their investigation.
When the investigation indicates, diocesan authorities are to relieve the alleged offender promptly of his ministerial duties.
Effective immediately, a single act of abuse of a minor will bring about a request for laicization, or removal from the priesthood. In prior cases, if the cleric is a pedophile, or if he has committed more than one act of sexual abuse of a minor, there will be a request for the cleric's laicization.
Clerics who have been treated, not diagnosed as pedophiles, and who have not committed more than one act of sexual abuse of a minor will have their ministerial status considered by the diocesan review board. The victim and offender can comment. Any subsequent ministerial assignment must be accompanied by disclosure of the cleric's situation to those with whom he will live and serve.
Each diocese is to develop a communications policy that reflects a commitment to openness. Within the confines of respect for privacy of the individuals involved, dioceses are to deal as openly as possible with members of the community.
Establish an Office for Child and Youth Protection at the conference's national headquarters, which shall be assisted and monitored by a review board.
Factors to be considered for a cleric who has been treated for sexual abuse of a minor, who has not been diagnosed as a pedophile, has not committed more than one act of sexual abuse of a minor, and whose prognosis is that he is suitable for public ministry, also include: If he is cooperating in aftercare, has he fulfilled any criminal penalty required of him and is he free of civil jeopardy, and is he willing to accept public disclosure of his condition?
Source: http://www.usccb.org