Response to Current News Events

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to "heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us."

Turning to the Lord
"When each of us was ordained as a bishop, we were told:

'Keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has appointed you to shepherd the Church of God.'

We, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, assembled last week in Washington at this time of shame and sorrow. Some bishops, by their actions or their failures to act, have caused great harm to both individuals and the Church as a whole. They have used their authority and power to manipulate and sexually abuse others. They have allowed the fear of scandal to replace genuine concern and care for those who have been victimized by abusers. For this, we again ask forgiveness from both the Lord and those who have been harmed. Turning to the Lord for strength, we must and will do better.

The Administrative Committee took the following actions within its authority:

1. Approved the establishment of a third-party reporting system that will receive confidentially, by phone and online, complaints of sexual abuse of minors by a bishop and sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with adults by a bishop and will direct those complaints to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority and, as required by applicable law, to civil authorities.

2. Instructed the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance to develop proposals for policies addressing restrictions on bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of sexual abuse of minors or sexual harassment of or misconduct with adults, including seminarians and priests.

3. Initiated the process of developing a Code of Conduct for bishops regarding the sexual abuse of a minor; sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with an adult; or negligence in the exercise of his office related to such cases.

4. Supported a full investigation into the situation surrounding Archbishop McCarrick, including his alleged assaults on minors, priests, and seminarians, as well any responses made to those allegations. Such an investigation should rely upon lay experts in relevant fields, such as law enforcement and social services.

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In recent weeks, a number of Catholic dioceses have announced the intention to publish a list of credible and substantiated allegations of sexual abuse against minors by priests in their dioceses. My offices have been preparing the same. No priest who is currently in active ministry in this diocese has had a credible and substantiated allegation of the abuse of a minor brought against him. It remains our policy to  report accusations or allegations of abuse against minors to law enforcement before, or at the same time as, reporting these to the diocese.
 
Names of priest offenders from this diocese have appeared over time in newspapers and online. It is our responsibility that our list be complete and does not name any cleric against whom there is not a substantiated claim. We are preparing to name both diocesan and religious order priests who were assigned here, provided allegations were credible and substantiated.
 
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — September 13, 2018 The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend released a statement regarding the results of the investigation completed by the Dauphin County District Attorney concerning an alleged incident during Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades’ time in Harrisburg.
 
Official Statement by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend appreciates the swift and thorough investigation into the unsubstantiated allegation against Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades. As anticipated, the investigation exonerated Bishop Rhoades. The district attorney found the allegation was without merit and stated, “After a full investigation, the Dauphin County District Attorney has determined that there is no basis to conclude that Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades ever engaged in a criminal or otherwise improper relationship.” The relationship in question was, “in the context of pastoral care and arose out of the recognized tradition of prison ministry.”

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About one month ago, I addressed you in response to the news about Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and in anticipation of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report. Since then, that report and many other accusations and letters have been made public. The news of the last few weeks has been discouraging, to say the least. The aftermath of these headlines is only just beginning, and the turmoil and angst is felt by all. Because of these recent reports, as your bishop, I feel it is necessary and important for me to address the following points:

1) The accountability of American Catholic bishops.

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August:
Archbishop McCarrick; the Pennsylvania Report, August 5, 2018
Joint Response to Pennsylvania Grand Jury
President of U.S. Bishops' Conference Announces Effort, August 16, 2018
Bishop Doherty's Message to the Diocese: August 16, 2018
Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to the People of God, August 20, 2018
Watch Bishop Doherty on CNN, August 17, 2018
President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Renews Commitment