Contact: Kathleen Hohl, 414-769-3494

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan and other diocesan representatives were left at the mediation table today as SNAP representatives of a group of victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse walked out of a scheduled mediation session without explanation.

“We are obviously very disappointed,” Archbishop Dolan said. “At the request of the victims-survivors representatives, we began the mediation last December talking about non-economic issues. We had been making positive progress throughout our meetings and we even came to substantial agreement on eight major points proposed by the victims-survivors group.”

“This morning we came to the table expecting to talk about monetary compensation,” said archdiocesan spokesman Jerry Topczewski, who has also been at the mediation sessions. “Unfortunately, the mediation session ended abruptly when the SNAP representatives walked out as the conversation was just beginning. The good news is that we have the independent mediation system, developed by Eva Soeka in discussion with SNAP representatives, available for victims-survivors to access and it is working.”

Since December 2003, Archbishop Dolan has attended more than 20 hours of formal sessions, mediated by former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske and Marquette University Law Professor Dan Blinka. SNAP representatives of victims-survivors gave no indication of whether they would return to the table.

Thus far the groups had reached substantial agreement on eight points, including:

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee affirms that no Church leader who has a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of minors will ever serve in active ministry, as is the current policy of the archdiocese.

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees to formalize its already existing practice of not retaliating against anyone who reports sexual abuse of a minor by establishing that policy as a written “whistle-blowers” pledge that will be publicly distributed.

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees that ecumenical and interfaith conferences on the issue of clergy sexual abuse of minors are valuable and commits to cooperation and participation in any such organized conferences.

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees that dialogue is necessary between victims-survivors and priests and pastoral ministers, and commits to arranging for a victim-survivor to address appropriate ministry groups within the archdiocese, including clergy groups.

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees that a chapel would be an appropriate way to recognize victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse and commits to examining how this concept would fit into future development plans at St. John’s Cathedral. (A temporary memorial is already set up at the Cathedral for Lent.)

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees that pastoral outreach to victims-survivors is essential and commits to seeing that it remains an integral element of its overall plan for victims-survivors' assistance ministry.

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees that retreats for victims-survivors are needed and commits to engage in planning of such opportunities.

• The Archdiocese of Milwaukee agrees that it is important that victims-survivors have access to pastoral ministers who are sensitive to the needs of victims-survivors. It commits to train priests and pastoral ministers in at least one parish in each of its 16 geographic districts to insure that welcoming and caring communities can be formed for victims-survivors.

“The Archdiocese of Milwaukee will go ahead with implementing these eight points regardless of the fact that SNAP representatives have left the mediation table,” Archbishop Dolan said. “These points of agreement are good things to be implemented and we, as a Church, want to assure victims-survivors of our sincerity in addressing issues they have raised.”

In addition, major progress had been made toward resolution of other sensitive issues, with hope that discussion of details and processes would continue at upcoming mediation sessions. The issues that have been discussed during the past months include:

• That the current mediation program, developed and administered by an outside, independent group, be offered to the other four dioceses and religious orders in the state of Wisconsin in hopes that a similar program could exist across Wisconsin to consistently serve the needs of victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

• Continuing the provision of therapy for victims-survivors paid for by the archdiocese. The archdiocese accepted a proposal from the victims-survivors group that called for an outside, independent medical review board or system to monitor and approve ongoing therapy payments.

• An independent evaluation of clergy-offender monitoring protocols. A proposal has been made that the Archdiocese allow for an independent review of its monitoring protocols.

• A discussion of the release of names of substantiated priest offenders. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee had been talking in the mediation sessions about releasing the names of clergy offenders after all civil and canonical processes were completed.

“We were confident we were moving in the right direction,” Topczewski said. “Unfortunately, now, it seems that effort, along with all the time invested, has been thrown away by an unwillingness to even continue talking. Fortunately, however, we still have the independent mediation system as a way to reach out to the individuals from this group who still want to talk with the Church and seek resolution. Five people have already completed mediation with the Archdiocese, to everyone’s satisfaction, and another 30 individuals have contacted the independent mediation process. We have high hopes that we can keep making progress with these individuals who want to find sincere resolution with the Church.”

One option for victims-survivors is the independent mediation system that has been created and is now in place to help victims/survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy members. Trained, neutral intake coordinators accept calls. All calls are confidential and victims/survivors can remain anonymous for their first contact. Interpreters will be provided for victims/survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To use the mediation system, make a report of sexual abuse, or simply to get more information, please call 1-866-302-9215 or 414-302-9215 or fax 414-258-2461. The telephone lines are TTY accessible. Reports of clergy sexual abuse will be received through Friday, April 30, 2004