The Diocese of New Ulm deplores the harm and injury inflicted on individuals and families through the sexual acting-out of anyone, especially clergy, pastoral administrators, or diocesan employees. Justice and compassion lead the diocese to respond to those who allege injury.

Such misconduct towards others violates the integrity they have a right to and, in the case of clergy, pastoral administrators, and employees of the diocese, is a betrayal of trust and their call to serve others. The response of the diocese to anyone making a complaint of sexual misconduct is to receive them with respect and sensitivity, and to listen to their experiences in a non-judgmental manner.

The diocese pledges to take the complaints seriously, to make diligent inquiry, to treat everyone concerned with compassion and fairness, to seek justice with mercy, ultimately to heal and to reconcile.

Ours is a pastoral mission.

The Church of New Ulm is committed to dealing with issues of sexual misconduct within its organization in an open and straightforward manner. Officials will speak the truth. They will reach out to those who feel injured. They will promote and protect the safety of children and families, women and men. They will stand by priests, deacons, pastoral administrators and employees of the diocese, while upholding the right of the people to be safe and secure from risk of harm. They will promote healing where there is injury, guidance when it is called for, change when it is warranted, with firm justice and mercy towards all and a determination to do what is needed to correct and prevent sexual misconduct.