The Holy See has responded to the Charter and Norms we Bishops drafted last June, and the response is, in my view, helpful. The Charter was intended to be a broad statement to address the issue of sexual abuse of minors, and the Holy See is in total agreement about the goals of the Norms and the Charter. However, there are some areas that need more precision and refinement. Bishop Gregory identified three areas. These include:
- Provisions for actions, such as the role of review committees;
- Language, such as the definition of sexual abuse;
- Procedures, such as dismissal from the clerical state. This will address due process for priests involved in these cases.
This Joint Commission will bring the best wisdom of the Holy See and the episcopal conference to resolve the issues in question. I have seen the letter that Bishop Gregory received from the Holy See, and it expresses solidarity with the American Bishops and strong concern for victims of sexual abuse. It is important to note that this work will be completed quickly. The Joint Commission hopes to be done by the time of our Bishops’ meeting in November.
Whatever the results of this Commission, I want to be clear that we are moving ahead with the implementation of the Charter in the Archdiocese of Louisville. I remain committed to the following:
- Outreach to victims is my first priority.
- No priest with a substantiated accusation of abuse of a child will be assigned to a ministry position in this Archdiocese.
- We will continue to cooperate with civil authorities on reporting and investigating child abuse.
- The importance of the Archdiocese of Louisville Sexual Abuse Review Board that I have appointed. I have absolute confidence in this group of individuals, and I will continue to rely upon them for guidance and assistance.
