| Protecting Our Children |
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The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has had polices and directives about child abuse in place since 1993, when the Decree on Child Abuse took effect. When the Decree on Child Abuse was promulgated, we made a commitment to evaluate the Decree and its implementation every five years. That Decree was revised and updated in 1998. The title was changed to the Decree on Child Protection. The Decree on Child Protection was revised in 2003 partially in response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. Now we have revised the Decree once more. By this letter I promulgate the latest revision of the Decree on Child Protection for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. The revised Decree will take effect on July 1, 2008. It applies to all parishes, schools, offices, agencies and other institutions which operate under the administrative authority of the Archbishop. On that date, this Decree supersedes any existing policies in the Archdiocese which deal with the issues of child protection or child abuse, insofar as they are not in conformity with this Decree. This Decree seeks to protect, enhance and, in some cases, restore the trust that our faith calls for between agents of the Church and the children and adolescents entrusted to their care. Over the last several years, I have met with a number of people who have been harmed by agents of the Archdiocese. I have personally witnessed the hurt and anger that is involved in child abuse. To victims and their families I again extend my sincere apology and ask forgiveness on behalf of the Archdiocese for the harm inflicted by any agents of the Archdiocese. I ask for your continued prayers for healing and reconciliation. If you know someone who has been abused at any time by an agent of the Archdiocese, I urge you to contact the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator of the Archdiocese at 513.421.3131 or 1.800.686.2724 as well as law enforcement. I urge agents of the Archdiocese who believe they pose a risk to children to come forward and seek assistance. All the members of our local Church are called to be vigilant that this Decree is fully implemented. I offer my thanks and the thanks of all the faithful of the Archdiocese to those persons who have collaborated in preparing and implementing the previous Decrees, as well as all who have had a hand in this present revision. All of us serve a Lord who has shown Himself capable of bringing to safety and salvation all those who have faith in Him. In these times, we place our trust in Him, believing that He will lead us on the right path. May Our Blessed Mother continue to intercede for us. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and protect us.
Sincerely yours in Christ, |
Dear Friends,