Wednesday, July 11, 2007

In close to five years as your archbishop, I have learned that you appreciate hearing news about our archdiocese, no matter the issue, directly from me.

I write you today with the news that this morning the Wisconsin State Supreme Court issued an opinion regarding three lawsuits it heard on appeal this past April. The lawsuits involve issues of clergy sexual abuse of minors, fraud, negligent supervision and the statute of limitations. We shared with you our anticipation of a decision, as well as our commitment to continuing our work on the issue of clergy sexual abuse.

The Supreme Court issued its decision this morning, agreeing in part and disagreeing in part with previous circuit and appellate court rulings. The Court ruled the negligent supervision claims had been properly dismissed, but determined the fraud claims should be returned to Milwaukee County Circuit Court for further processing, basically saying that the lower court needed to spend more time reviewing the issue before deciding the statute of limitation question. So, now, all sides will prepare and present information as part of this next step in the legal process.

The tragedy of clergy sexual abuse of children and, perhaps even more, the failure in the past of some within the Church to deal decisively with it long ago, will always be an ugly stain on our history. We renew our apology to all victims/survivors and repeat our sincere effort to support their personal recovery. To everyone who has been affected by clergy sexual abuse, we once again commit ourselves to an ongoing, vigorous effort to protect those who place their trust in us. To our faithful clergy and dedicated people, I thank you for your resilience and support. We know much has been accomplished during these past five years, but we also know there is always more we can do. My pledge and commitment to victims/survivors to work toward healing and resolution remains steadfast.

The issue of clergy sexual abuse of minors remains an important pastoral concern for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and we remain committed to continuing our work in helping and working with victims/survivors. We also remain committed to continuing the many educational and training programs that have been designed to protect children and young people.

We carry out this commitment:

• Through the independent mediation system that was specifically designed to address claims of diocesan clergy sexual abuse of a minor. To date, the archdiocese has reached resolution with more than 160 individuals.

• Through the provision of therapy and counseling for those who are victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse by diocesan clergy.

• Through the efforts of Amy Peterson, our full-time victim-assistance coordinator who works closely with victims/survivors, with families, with victims advocacy groups, and with community leaders and professionals, to ensure victims/survivors have a place to turn for support and assistance.

• Through the implementation of the Safe Environment program in all archdiocesan parishes and schools, providing mandatory training about sexual abuse, safety of children, abuse warning signs and related issues for staff members and volunteers who work with children.

• Through the Church’s commitment that no priest with a substantiated report of sexual abuse of a minor serves in active ministry in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

• Through the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a series of practical and pastoral steps implemented in dioceses throughout the nation to create a safe environment within the Church for children and young people and to prevent sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the future.

• Through an annual outside, independent, professional audit of practices and protocols, which in each of the last four years has shown the archdiocese to be in full compliance with the pledges and promises made in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

• Through oversight committees such as the Diocesan Review Board and Community Advisory Board, whose members share their expertise and insight in helping us address the issue of clergy sexual abuse.

Today's news is a reminder that our work on the issue of clergy sexual abuse will never be "over," but that we must remain vigilant in ensuring all members of our community, especially children and young people, are safe and protected.

Faithfully in Christ,

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan