By Bishop Michael O. Jackels
The Spring meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops concluded on Friday, June 17, 2011. Among the topics of discussion was the review of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, as well as some of its processes.
The Charter was reaffirmed and no substantial changes were made to the text. The Bishops of the United States, including the one serving the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, are committed to creating in the Church a safe environment for people of all ages to practice their faith, to promoting healing and wholeness, and to restoring trust in Church leadership.
In the interest of creating a safe environment, the Diocese of Wichita will continue until Jesus comes again to do criminal background checks on all seminarians and priests, and on Church employees/volunteers who have regular contact with children and young people, as well as require them to be certified through the Virtus program and to abide by a code of ethical standards.
For those who have been hurt by the sin and crime of clergy sexual abuse, I cannot say “sorry” enough. To victims, in addition to my heartfelt apologies, I offer my prayers and the openness to meet with you, if for no other reason than to hear your story. The Diocese of Wichita also has a Victim’s Assistance Coordinator: Victoria Jackson (316-200-5951) – feel free to contact her.
Finally, one of the ways to try to restore trust in Church leadership is to submit to an independent audit of whether or not the Diocese is carrying out the commitments of the Charter. It is my intention that the Diocese will be compliant, not as a hoop to jump through, but as a means to offer concrete support that my word about providing a safe environment and promoting healing can be trusted. If we are found to be wanting in any area, we will take the steps to improve.
One would think that the Church would not need something like the Charter, that the gospel and its mandate to love neighbor is enough. It appears sadly that such is not the case. But maybe that day will come if each of us, without exception, responds to the call to on-going conversion, repenting of sin and conforming our minds and heart to Jesus. May it be so. Amen.