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Communications Policy Regarding Sexual Abuse
Article Seven of “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” addresses the communications policy of a diocese.
The article says: “Each diocese/eparchy will develop a communications policy that reflects a commitment to transparency and openness. Within the confines of respect for the privacy and reputation of the individuals involved, dioceses/eparchies will deal as openly as possible with members of the community. This is especially so with regard to assisting and supporting parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.”
Since it was established in 1969, the Public Information Office of the Diocese of Brooklyn has developed and maintained a cooperative relationship with all media, especially those located in the New York metropolitan area. From the standpoint of the Diocese, the relationship is marked by openness and transparency to the extent that it does not encroach on privacy and confidentiality. Such a communications policy has helped the Diocese present its message to the public.
As it pertains to “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” the communications plan followed by the Diocese through the Public Information Office continues a commitment to the same openness that has permeated its public awareness activities for 35 years.
With respect to the Charter’s mandate, the director of the Public Information Office proceeds as follow:
---Meets regularly with the Diocesan Bishop, Vicar General, Chancellor and Clergy Personnel Office director on matters related to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy and assists in preparing statements where a public response may be required.
---Uses as its primary means of informing the Catholic population on such matters the weekly diocesan newspaper, The Tablet, and the diocesan Web site (dioceseofbrooklyn.org). Both publish statements and press releases issued by the Diocese.
---Assists pastors of parishes and principals of schools in preparing responses to inquiries from the media and developing statements to parishioners when clergy abuse allegations affect them.
---Arranges interviews or provides appropriate spokespersons for the secular media when issues related to clergy sexual abuse of minors arise. In general, the director of the Public Information Office is the spokesperson.
---Provides information for publication on the work of the Victims Assistance Coordinator, the Committee for Education toward Awareness and Prevention of Sexual Abuse, and the Diocesan Review Board.
---Offers insights and information on how to communicate the issues related to sex abuse by clergy at workshops and conferences with priests and deacons.
---Collaborates with the spokespersons for the District Attorneys Offices of Kings and Queens Counties in disseminating information that may relate to one or the other.
Collectively, these initiatives reflect a policy designed to serve the various publics that are affected by clergy sexual abuse matters through the use of media.
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