Members of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors believe they have done important work in the past three years, but because there is so much more to be done, they presented Pope Francis with a list of suggestions for the future.
sexual abuse
Walking With the Sexually Abused
As Bishop of Brooklyn, I am announcing a significant new step in the ongoing effort of the Diocese of Brooklyn to address the wounds of those sexually abused by members of the clergy. It is called the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program.
Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Independent Reconciliation, Compensation Program for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a significant step in its ongoing response to the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy: the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP).
Pope: Church Must Act Severely On Sex Abuse by the Clergy
The sexual abuse of children by those who have vowed to serve Christ and the Church is a horrendous monstrosity that represents “a diabolical sacrifice” of innocent, defenseless lives, Pope Francis said.
New Support Group For Male Survivors of Clergy Sex Abuse
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office for Victims’ Assistance is beginning a support group for men who were sexually abused by a member of the clergy.
Real Reform
The attempt to suspend the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse died without a whimper in the State House in Albany where it was being championed by Queens Assemblywoman Marge Markey and a concerted campaign by the New York Daily News. The proposal was bad law and was made even worse by the effects it would have had on the mission of the Church.
Off the Markey
Queens Assemblywoman Slanders Bishop; Catholic League Calls for Her Resignation. Bill Donohue, president of The Catholic League, fired back at the Daily News. He accused them of “slamming the Catholic Church. But this time they really did themselves in: They floated a front-page story by a notorious anti-Catholic bigot accusing a local bishop of bribery.”
Bishop Responds to NY Daily News and Assemblywoman Markey
Letter from Bishop DiMarzio: The New York Daily News has published an article claiming that I attempted to bribe an elected official several years ago in order to advance the political agenda of the Catholic Church. I want you to know that this very serious accusation against me is patently false.
Albany Bill Is Short Sighted
Since the national clergy abuse scandal erupted in 2002, the Diocese of Brooklyn has not wavered in its commitment to protect children and assist victims of past abuse. Some members of the clergy did terrible things and hurt innocent people. We want to support, pray for, and help all victims heal, while ensuring children in our community are never hurt again.
Film Put Spotlight on Sexual Abuse Crisis
It was a late addition to the agenda of the World Communications Day observance in Brooklyn, and it turned out to be one of the most interesting and newsworthy sessions. At Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s insistence, a discussion of the sexual abuse crisis among clergy as depicted in the Academy Award winning film, “Spotlight,” took center stage.