Local Report on the Implementation of Ethics and Integrity in Ministry
Since 1947: a report on sexual abuse of minors in the Austin Diocese
By Helen Osman
Catholic Spirit Staff
Last year the bishops of the United States and the Vatican approved the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (see page 4). The document renews the Catholic Church’s commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse. It outlines ways in which dioceses can safeguard children and remove from ministry clergy or lay people who harm children. It also calls for dioceses to assist victims of past sexual abuse.
Bishop Gregory Aymond has made a strong commitment to provide funding for counseling and any other assistance that would help in healing for victims of sexual abuse by church personnel. These individuals are encouraged to contact the bishop directly at (512) 476-4888. Patricia Stankus, diocesan coordinator of Pastoral Care, is also available to receive information and provide support; she can be reached by calling (512) 476-4888.
Almost a year before the Charter, the Austin Diocese began implementing its policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (see page 2 of this report). In accord with the policies, any allegations of abuse against minors are reported to law enforcement authorities. The policies also require that the accused be removed from ministry while an investigation occurs. If the investigation verifies abuse, the accused is barred from returning to ministry (see sidebar below for more information on the policy procedures).
All allegations of abuse of minors are presented to the diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Review Board. The board includes a human resources specialist, two lawyers, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a spiritual director and a professional in sexual abuse prevention. Four board members are parents of minor children; two board members are priests. The board makes recommendations to Bishop Aymond and his staff in responding to abuse and verifies that appropriate responses are being made.
The Charter also called for a national survey of the nature and scope of child abuse by clergy over the past 50 years "to understand the problem more fully and to enhance the effectiveness of our future response." The report of all U.S. dioceses’ information will be released in February. Information provided by the Austin Diocese was gathered from diocesan files and interviews with past diocesan officials. It does not include any case that would be under investigation at this time.
Since the diocese was founded in 1947, approximately 400 diocesan and religious priests have served in the Austin Diocese. During that time, verified allegations of abuse of minors have been made against six priests serving in the diocese, approximately 1.5 percent of the total priest population. One of these priests was from a religious order; the other five were diocesan priests.
None of the six men serves as a priest today. Two are dead; the other four have had their faculties revoked or been laicized.
The identities of 15 minors who may have been abused by these former priests are known. Four of the known incidents occurred in the 1970s, seven in the 1980s and four in the 1990s.
Current diocesan records indicate that approximately $384,000 has been spent on counseling, legal fees and settlements related to these cases.
The funds come from an account the diocese has established to fund liability claims through its self-insurance program and National Catholic Risk Retention’s insurance program.
"While we cannot change the past, I do want to reach out to those who have been hurt and victimized and to offer my personal prayers and the support of our local church," Bishop Aymond said. "I pray for victims, both in our diocese and throughout our country, daily and hope that they will know and experience the healing that God alone can give."