In his Excellency’s weekly column, Bishop Clark addresses the concern of just how credible the accusations were against the 2 priests removed from ministry this year:
If a victim comes forward, we ask that they work closely with our victims’ assistance coordinator, Barbara Pedeville, to tell their story. In most cases, depending on the person’s wishes, I meet with the victim. We also employ a retired New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation expert to conduct a thorough investigation. We inform the local district attorney’s office and law enforcement agencies in the proper jurisdiction and cooperate fully with them. We ask our Review Board — a panel of authorities including experts in law enforcement, psychiatry, psychology and civil law, as well as a pastor — to examine the complaint and findings closely. If the Review Board determines that the complaint is credible, they make a recommendation to me.
He also mentions some other Diocese procedures to prevent such abuses as well as offers some advice to victims. Pray for everyone involved in this process.
Tags: Bishop Clark
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