Diocese of New Ulm

As a diocesan church, we have responded to sexual misconduct by following a comprehensive policy that was implemented in 1990. We are committed to promoting healing where the trust between priests and members of the Christian faithful have been painfully broken.

During the past 50 years, the church - with the rest of society - has slowly come to an understanding of sexual misconduct and understandably our response to this problem is in question. Today, as a Church we are doing more than many institutions to develop a pastoral response to address the problem.

As a local church comprised of 82 parishes, we have a policy dealing with issues of sexual misconduct. We continue to educate, provide advocacy and healing opportunities for victims, and treatment for perpetrators. Our policy was revised in 1994 and was made available to each of the parishes in the diocese as well as to the media. In 1995 a section entitled Building Healthy Relationships was added to cover the needs of Catholic Schools, Religious Education Programs and Youth Ministry Programs. We are also presently re-examining our policy to ensure that our response is current and that no revisions are needed.

We admit that people have been hurt through the human weakness of some priests and other church personnel. We are making a good faith effort to heal any trust that has been broken. As we strive to be imitators of Christ’s love for the Church, we want to ensure healthy relationships between priests and the people they serve.

Our policy consists of a delegate appointed by the bishop, who oversees the process when an accusation is made. There is a review board made up of professionals from across the diocese. These professionals include: people employed in the fields of counseling, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, social work, and church work. Trained advocates and advisors are provided for the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator. After a period of inquiry the review board makes a recommendation to the bishop concerning the evidence. During the entire process advocates are provided for all concerned to ensure that pastoral needs are met while following the procedures outlined in our policy.

As pastoral leaders, we are required to respond honestly to the victims, the accused, and the public. If a charge of sexual misconduct is substantiated, appropriate and timely actions are taken. Our policy also emphasizes accountability to the public through the appropriate release of accurate information to news media managers. This level of accountability also helps to serve as a deterrent of inappropriate behaviors as well as for false accusations. Issues of sexual misconduct challenge every member of the church, especially the leaders, to create an environment where healthy boundaries are established and respected.

As a diocese, we are committed to responding to claims of sexual misconduct and to provide healing where there is injury.

If you would like a copy of our sexual misconduct policy, call or write the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of New Ulm. A summary of our sexual misconduct procedure can be found on the Diocesan web site www.dnu.org.