The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis joins the St. Paul Police Department and all civil authorities in continuing to encourage anyone who suspects abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult within Church ministry — or any setting, including home or school — to contact law enforcement.
“Any act of abuse against a minor or vulnerable adult is reprehensible and morally repugnant and we will not tolerate it,” the archdiocese said in a statement Oct. 17.
St. Paul police convened a news conference the same day at which they asked anyone who has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse to come forward and report the incident.
In its statement, the archdiocese said it is “deeply sorry for any harm that has come from clergy misconduct” and that it is determined “to do whatever is necessary” to eliminate it.
Since 2002, the archdiocese has implemented policy and procedural reforms to clarify guidelines and strengthen enforcement. Actions have included completing more than 3,000 adult safe environment training sessions for approximately 70,000 adults; conducting 105,000 background checks on clergy, staff and volunteers; and providing more than 100,000 children with age-appropriate lessons to help keep them safe.
“As a further demonstration of our commitment to handling these matters aggressively and consistently, an independent, lay task force has been formed and they will conduct a full review of our policies and practices,” the statement said, adding that the group’s findings will be made public when final.
