Through this process, the needs and expectations of victims/survivors are presented to the Archbishop and a proposed plan of pastoral, spiritual and emotional care, plus considerations of material help with the goal of restorative justice, is discussed and agreed upon. Although the preference of the Archdiocese is that there be minimal involvement by lawyers so that resources can be spent on helping victims/survivors versus paying legal fees, victims/survivors are certainly able to bring their attorneys if that is more comfortable for them, as long as there is agreement that the mediator, not the attorney, is in charge of the process.


Pastoral Mediation Introduction and Rationale
by Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee

It is my hope that we can engage in pastoral mediation to address the legitimate concerns and needs of victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Through this process, the needs and expectations of victims/survivors will be presented to me personally and to my representative, who when can offer a proposed response of pastoral, spiritual, and emotional care, plus considerations of material help with the goal of restorative justice. My vision of this process would include minimal involvement by attorneys, with money much more fairly spent on the just needs of those harmed. Obviously, victims/survivors would be encouraged to consult their legal counsel before agreeing to the final resolution of the matter.

In proposing this, I want to make it clear that the pastoral mediation I envision is not mediation in the traditional sense of the word, where the parties meet to resolve pending or threatened litigation. The pastoral mediation I hope for would be a process independent of litigation where victims/survivors meet with me or my representative to come to a response of pastoral, spiritual, emotional, and restorative care.

The genuine desire for reconciliation impels us to continue to do eveerything possible to heal the wounds inflicted upon so many.


Proposed Pastoral Mediation Process

1. Selection of mediator
   1. Needs to be someone with whom all involved are comfortable
   2. Propose 3-5 names as possible mediators
   3. A second person with special expertise in the area under consideration (e.g., a psychologist who deals with sexual abuse victims) may be utilized by the mediator to assist in understanding the issues

2. Initial Process
   1. Parties involved meet face to face with the mediator (and expert if being used)
   2. Each party makes an opening statement with the claimant going first
   3. The opening statement explains that person's perspective and raises the issues to be resolved
   4. The mediator summarizes what was heard from the claimant and invites the Archdiocese to make an opening statement
   5. The parties go to separate rooms and the mediator meets individually with each and presents the various issues and responses going back and forth; nothing said to the mediator is shared with the other side without the consent of the individual involved
   6. There may be a point where everyone comes back to the same room

3. Restorative Justice
   1. The underlying concept is to humanize both sides
   2. The goal of restorative justice is to restore the victim, so the main question is:
      What is needed to bring about that restoration?
   3. The search is for common ground on all sides