CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

'Significant' new procedures aim to protect young people, bishop says

The Herald - 4/7/2018

April 07--ERIE -- In a policy that Bishop Lawrence T. Persico called "among the most comprehensive in the nation," the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie announced Friday what it describes as a significant update in its procedures for protecting young people in the diocese.

During a press conference in Erie, Persico expressed his sorrow and apologized for sexual abuse within the Catholic Church before announcing the changes to the diocese's new Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth.

"I have met with victims and listened to the pain they and their loved ones experienced," Persico said. "It is appalling to learn what they went through. Abuse is traumatic enough -- but it's earth-shattering when it's perpetrated by someone who is in a position of trust. I have a profound personal respect for survivors of abuse."

The diocesan staff, including the Presbyteral Council and Diocesan Review board, collaborated for more than a year with the Pittsburgh-based law firm K&L Gates to develop the policy, which includes three major new components, the bishop said.

The policy includes an expanded set of definitions that leave no doubt as to what constitutes abuse, according to Persico, and expands the role of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.

"All the files that deal with protection of children from all our parishes, schools and agencies, will be housed in that office," Persico said. "Not only will anyone who deals with children have to get state clearances, but the employer would contact the office to see if there is no issue with the person being hired."

Persico admitted that this is a large amount of responsibility for the office.

More Information

Link to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie policy update: www.ErieRCD.org/policyupdate.htm.

Diocesan officials said the diocese encourages anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy or any employee or volunteer of the church, to contact law enforcement.

To report abuse to the independent investigators retained by the Diocese of Erie, email ErieRCD@KLGates.com. Victims or concerned individuals can report abuse to ChildLine, an outreach of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, at 800-932-0313. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and callers may choose to remain anonymous.

Victims can also contact the diocese directly to report abuse at 814-451-1543. Counseling assistance is available for victims and their families through the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Robert Nelsen, who can be reached at 814-451-1521.

"But it's important," he said. "We're not doing this as cohesively as we're going to do now. We're giving them more responsibility."

The new policy will include an updated and revised website, which went live Friday. A list of names for priests, faculty, staff, coaches and volunteers that have had a credible allegation of misconduct brought against them will be on the site and will be continuously updated.

Diocesan officials said they have been gathering information to prepare an updated policy for some time.

"This effort has been an important, long and complex process taken on by the Diocese of Erie," said Anne-Marie Welsh, director of communications for the diocese. "The effort took time because we are committed to doing it correctly and because we are covering a period of decades."

With Kennedy Catholic Middle High and St. John Paul II Elementary schools in his jurisdiction, Hermitage Police Chief Eric Jewell said that the expanded policy and investigations done by the Pittsburgh law firm is welcomed by and helpful to his department.

"We never frown on helping hands, if the Catholic diocese is willing to do their internal investigations including forensic analysis of electronic devices, they don't have to jump through the same hoops we do," Jewell said. "We need search warrants and consents. They may have more leverage over their employees than we do.

Hermitage detectives were called in recently to investigate allegations against the Rev. Sean Kerins.

"I saw the investigation (K&L Gates) did with this and it was impressive. No doubt about that," Jewell said, adding that Kerins, 27, did not commit a crime in Hermitage.

And Persico added that pastoral care and compassion for victims, as well as the protection of children is a top priority of the Diocese of Erie.

"Like anyone else, I cannot comprehend how someone can victimize innocent children and youth," Persico stated. "The vast majority of our priests are striving to live good and holy lives in service to God, to parishioners and to the community at large. The same goes for our many dedicated teachers and agency employees. I am proud to be counted among the priests of this diocese."

___

(c)2018 The Herald (Sharon,Pa)

Visit The Herald (Sharon,Pa) at www.sharonherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.