Second National Audit

diocese again in full compliance

by Rev. Douglas L. Grams

At their June 2004 meeting in Denver, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops agreed to move forward with a second National Compliance Audit for the 195 dioceses in the United States. The Diocese of New Ulm participated in the first compliance audit in September 2003 and was found to be in full compliance with the US Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, www.usccb.org/ocyp/

charter.htm.

The second audit was conducted in the diocese last month by two associates (former agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation) of the Gavin Group, Inc. The audit included a review of diocesan policies regarding sexual abuse of minors, outreach programs for victim survivors, safe environment programs, and pastoral outreach programs, as well as other actions that are directed by the Charter. At the conclusion of the compliance audit, the diocese was found to be in full compliance with all the articles of the Charter.

For information on the Diocese of

New Ulm’s policies and procedures pertaining to sexual misconduct by clergy, visit the diocesan web site, www.dnu.org; or call the Diocesan Pastoral Center, (507) 359-2966.

Rev.. Douglas L. Grams is the Bishop’s Delegate in Matters Pertaining to Sexual Misconduct.