Today’s release of Pope Francis’s “Moto Proprio” decree regarding the sexual abuse of minors is a significant step for the Universal Church in addressing this inherent evil. His order provides standards, expectations, and procedures that will assist the Church is addressing this worldwide problem. Here in the United States, and specifically within the Diocese of Columbus, this document reinforces the practices put in place by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2002, with the enactment of the Essential Norms and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It affirms our current commitment to offer spiritual care for survivors and their families, to provide full compliance with all civil laws regarding reporting of allegations of sexual abuse to authorities, to uphold the right of any person to report these crimes, to guarantee prompt and objective investigations, and to assure strong lay involvement. Additionally, the decree addresses processes regarding the conduct of bishops and other ranking members of the Church, which, based on recent events, needed immediate attention.

Moving forward, along with my brother Bishops of the USCCB, we will use this decree from our Holy Father as a framework to strengthen and focus our efforts to rid our Church of this sinful crime. In the Diocese of Columbus, I give to you my commitment to continue to work to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all within our community – inspired by Christ and the Joy of his Gospel and consistent with our teachings and traditions, let us all pray and work together to grow a stronger Church.

+ Bishop Robert J. Brennan

PDF of Statement

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