Extracted from the Catholic News Herald
The Diocese of Charlotte published a list Dec. 30, 2019, of 14 clergy who have been credibly accused of child sexual abuse within the diocese since it was established in 1972.
The list is the result of a year-long process that included a comprehensive, independent review of more than 1,600 files dating back almost 50 years to ensure a full accounting of credibly accused clergy in the diocese’s history.
The file review confirmed that no clergy member serving in the Charlotte diocese today has a credible allegation of sexual abuse against him. Records also show that all clergy named on the list were long ago removed from ministry or deceased – and that most names were made known years ago by the diocese and others.
Reflecting national trends, records show instances of abuse alleged in the Charlotte diocese peaked in the 1970s and dropped sharply after 2002 when new protections were put in place by the U.S. Catholic Church.
“It is painful to even try to comprehend such gravely immoral behavior,” Bishop Peter J. Jugis wrote in a letter published along with the list and other abuse information. “However, in speaking with survivors and hearing their stories, it is clear to me that making known the names of their abusers can promote healing for them and their families.”
The Diocese has launched a new webpage, accountability.charlottediocese.org, which features resources including a new hotline for reporting sexual abuse operated independently by Red Flag Reporting. The hotline allows people to speak up, anonymously or not, when suspected sexual abuse or other misconduct is noted.
The accountability webpage is the latest in a series of steps the diocese has taken to prevent child sexual abuse since 2002, when the U.S. bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
The Charter mandates a zero-tolerance policy, strict screening and training standards, and protocols for preventing abuse in all U.S. Catholic churches, facilities and programs.
In his letter dated Dec. 30, Bishop Jugis asked the faithful to “Please pray with me that this information achieves the goal of bringing justice and healing to victims. With the Lord’s help, we can continue fostering a safe and supportive environment in our parishes, schools and ministries so that the Church in western North Carolina can help lead future generations to Him.”
- Read the full text of Bishop Jugis’ Dec. 30 Letter to the People of God of Western North Carolina
- View the list of all clergy credibly accused of child abuse in the Diocese of Charlotte on the Diocesan Accountability Website
- Report abuse or sexual misconduct
- Prayer for Healing (English)
- Prayer for Healing (Spanish)
Suspect sexual abuse or misconduct?
If you have information about possible sexual abuse or misconduct by any clergy, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Charlotte, report concerns safely, securely and anonymously 24/7 over the phone using the diocese’s new hotline, 1-888-630-5929, or online: www.RedFlagReporting.com/RCDOC
Please note: If you suspect a child is in danger, please contact 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency.
Safe Environment training
Did you know that every Church worker must go through abuse prevention and education training? Find more information about the Diocese of Charlotte’s Safe Environment program, sign up for Protecting God’s Children training and more:
https://charlottediocese.org/human-resources/safe-environment
For more information or questions, please contact the diocese’s Human Resources Office at https://charlottediocese.org/human-resources or 704-370-6299.
¿Sospecha de abuso sexual o conducta inapropiada?
Si tiene información sobre posible abuso sexual o conducta inapropiada por cualquier clérigo, empleado o voluntario de la Diócesis de Charlotte, informe sus inquietudes de manera segura y anónima las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana, usando la nueva línea directa de la diócesis, 1-888-630-5929 u online www.RedFlagReporting.com/RCDOC
Por favor, tome nota: si sospecha que un niño está en peligro, contacte al 9-1-1 o a la Policía de su localidad.
Entrenamiento de medioambiente seguro
¿Sabe usted que todos los trabajadores de la Iglesia deben de tomar el entrenamiento de prevención de abuso y ser capacitados en este tema?
Encuentre más información sobre el programa de medioambiente seguro de la Diócesis de Charlotte, regístrese en el programa Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios y más en
https://charlottediocese.org/human-resources/safe-environment
Para más información y preguntas, por favor contacte a la oficina de Recursos Humanos de la diócesis en https://charlottediocese.org/human-resources o 704-370-6299.