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Policy
Regarding Sexual Abuse Against Minors by Priests or
Deacons Diocese of Brooklyn (pdf format)
Procedures
Regarding Sexual Abuse Against Minors by Priests or
Deacons Diocese of Brooklyn (pdf format)
STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS
DIMARZIO
DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN
ON
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
April 1, 2004
When negotiations opened two years ago for a new contact between five parishes
in the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Federation of Catholic Teachers, the hope was
that discussions would lead to a fair and satisfactory agreement for everyone
affected---children, parents and teachers in the five unionized schools.
While that has not yet been achieved, it continues to be our goal.
The Federation of Catholic Teachers is seeking a minimum salary increase of 8.5
percent per year in the five schools. The teachers in the approximately
140 non-union schools received an increase of 4 to 5 percent in the 2002/2003
school year and an increase of 2.5 to 3.5 percent this year, based on years of
service and advanced degrees.
The increases sought by the union would inevitably result in higher tuition
costs at the respective schools. The fear is that the increased tuition
would cause parents to withdraw their children from schools they wish them to
attend but can no longer afford.
There
is, however, a further and equally serious difficulty that could also affect
whether the schools may be able to continue to function in a fiscally sound
way. Teachers, like all diocesan employees, pay for part of the cost of
their medical benefits. The union wants the same benefits for its teachers
as exists for teachers in non-union schools, but it is unwilling to have
teachers contribute to the medical plan and is unwilling to discuss this
matter. Because of the union’s refusal to negotiate on this critical
issue, no discussions can proceed until this difficulty is resolved.
I am committed to a just and equitable settlement of the issues involved.
I respect the right of teachers to consider union affiliation and I remain
supportive of collective bargaining. I am also concerned for the viability
of our schools in still uncertain economic times.
I am unwavering in my respect for the women and men who teach our young people,
providing values-centered academic instruction and education in the faith.
I want them to know of my enduring admiration for their commitment.
BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO
ON
UNREST IN HAITI
(March 2,
2004)
We have all been concerned about the upheaval and unrest in Haiti.
Violence can never be justified as the principal means of bringing about
political change.
I ask
for your continued prayers for peace and stability in Haiti. I join with my
Haitian brothers and sisters who now live here, to pray for those who have died
or been injured in this latest uprising.
We commend the people of Haiti to
the protection of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and we ask for all countries to
assist in bringing about a future for Haiti based on the dignity of each person
and attention to the basic human rights and needs of every citizen.
STATEMENT BY MOST REVEREND NICHOLAS DIMARZIO
DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN
ON
CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE
FEB. 27, 2004
As one of the many steps taken by the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops to confront the painful clergy sexual abuse scandal in the past two
years, the National Review Board established by the bishops commissioned the
John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan to reveal “the nature and
scope” of the problem by compiling statistics on perpetrators and victims.
The study asked the 195 archdioceses and dioceses in our nation to search their
records dating from l950 to the end of 2002 and to submit their findings to the
John Jay study team. On Feb. 27 the team issued a report “in globo,” not
diocese-by-diocese. We chose the same date to release the information the
Diocese of Brooklyn submitted for the John Jay report.
As for the significant statistics, relative to the allegations received, we
found that of 2,114 incardinated priests and deacons serving in the Diocese over
that time, 73 were accused of sexual misconduct with minors. Percentagewise,
that comes to 3.45 percent of the clergy. During that same period, 11,815
priests from outside the Diocese and from religious orders served here.
Accusations were made against 14 individuals, or 0.12 percent. Together, 87
priests out of 13,929 serving in this Diocese were accused of inappropriate
behavior, or 0.6 percent.
In all, the Diocese received accusations of sexual misconduct by clergy with
minors from 188 persons. Twenty-three of these allegations were presented to the
Diocese after accused diocesan priests had died.
Of the accused incardinated clergy, 25 are dead, 16 are retired and 24 no longer
serve in priestly ministry. Allegations against eight priests were determined to
be unsubstantiated.
Settlements agreed upon by the victims and the Diocese amounted to $783,168. The
cost of providing counseling for them was $683,373. Legal fees for the Diocese
totaled $187,902.20.
The review of the records by decade showed that almost 150 instances of sexual
abuse were committed in the three decades beginning in the l960s but far fewer
in recent years. The breakdown was 15 in the l950s, 45 in the l960s, 62 in the
l970s, 42 in the l980s, 20 in the 1990s and four since 2000.
The reports of allegations given to the Diocese by victims swelled since l990.
There were two reports in the l950s, seven in the l960s, 13 in the l970s, 20 in
the l980s and l50 since l990.
This report motivates a recommitment to the safety of young people from anyone
who would abuse them sexually or in any other way. The Diocese has taken steps
to respond to accusations received over the years. I am grateful for and
supported by the work of the Diocesan Review Board, comprised of eight
outstanding individuals and chaired by Bernard Helldorfer of
St. John’s
University
. They advise me as to any
course of action that needs to be taken in the light of claims of inappropriate
behavior. They are most generous with their time and counsel.
The Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese, Sister Ellen Patricia Finn,
O.P., of Catholic Charities, has done extraordinary work in her role, offering
pastoral care for victims and their families---counseling, spiritual guidance
and support. She is creating “healing teams” of skilled and trained clergy,
Religious and lay people who can work one-on-one and in groups and also offer
pastoral outreach. We continue to urge anyone who wishes to report an allegation
to do so.
Although I have ministered here in this Diocese for only a short time, I have
become keenly aware that, over the years, the priests and Religious given the
awesome responsibility of listening and responding to the painful stories of
victims have done so with Christ-like charity, recognizing the dignity and worth
of each one as an individual made in the image and likeness of God. They have
fulfilled their roles with exquisite concern for the well-being of the victims.
They have also manifested sensitive pastoral concern for the accused.
Another diocesan initiative, coordinating the VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children”
awareness training workshops for adults, has reached 3,600 clergy, Religious and
laity who have contact with children. I am grateful to Sister Jane Scanlon,
C.N.D., Vice Chancellor, and her committee for their leadership in organizing
the sessions.
Sister Jane is also heading a search committee to fill the positions of Safe
Environment Program Coordinator. The person selected will oversee the continued
development of sexual abuse education and awareness programs for adults and
children, coordinate background checks of diocesan personnel and volunteers and
ensure awareness of a ministerial Code of Conduct.
I am pleased with the cooperation of the Office of District Attorney of Kings
County and the Office of District Attorney of Queens County and the public
recognition they have given to our joint efforts. I pledge a continuing
commitment to that relationship.
As I have said many times since this devastating scandal erupted, even one
instance of inappropriate behavior is one too many. Where are we as a Church if
even one child is vulnerable in the company of someone representing the
Church of
Jesus?
One wonders if enough could ever be done to console the victims of such abuse.
As an act of reparation for the sins of a few, I am designating April 5, the
Monday of Holy Week, as a day of prayer and penance. I will invite the faithful
of the Diocese to join me in dedicating that day to the welfare of victims by
fasting and other penitential acts.
Allow me at this point to say to every victim, I am sorry for the transgressions
committed against you. I state this with heartfelt sincerity. You have endured
indignities that can never be justified. That these acts were committed by
clergy ordained to serve God’s people with dignity and respect makes this even
more painful. Please accept this apology, which I offer from the depths of my
soul.
I say publicly and on behalf of the multitude of people of our Diocese who share
my concern for the safety of children and young people that we will do all
within our ability to keep them safe. There will be an ongoing effort to restore
their trust and the trust of their loved ones.
Whatever hurts one part of the Body of Christ hurts all. As Bishop of this
portion of God’s Kingdom, I commit myself to following a path that will keep His
Body whole. I ask our good people to join me on this journey.
STATEMENT BY MOST REVEREND NICHOLAS
DIMARZIO
BISHOP OF BROOKLYN
IMMIGRANT WORKERS FREEDOM RIDE
FLUSHING MEADOWS PARK
OCT. 4, 2003
STATEMENT OF MOST REVEREND NICHOLAS DI MARZIO,
Ph.D., D.D.
FIRST WORDS TO
THE DIOCESE
AUGUST 1, 2003
Brooklyn,
NY
BISHOP DAILY'S WELCOME TO BISHOP DIMARZIO
Aug.
1,
2003
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