November 2022 Reflection: Healing Journey

November 2022 Reflection: Healing Journey

Mark Joseph Williams speaks for the Body of Bishops about the healing journey of clerical abuse survivors.

November 2022 Reflection: Accompaniment of Abuse Survivors

November 2022 Reflection: Accompaniment of Abuse Survivors

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR shares his experience of accompaniment of abuse survivors.

 

Mandate and Goals for the Committee

The committee provides the bishops of the United States with comprehensive planning and recommendations concerning child and youth protection, in coordination with the National Review Board, as dictated by the Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People.

The secretariat has the following areas of responsibility: provide support and assistance to the National Review Board and Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, conduct diocesan audits, and exist as a resource for dioceses/eparchies.

Report Abuse

Know Something?
Say Something: Report Abuse

The Catholic Church Is Committed to the Safety of Children

The Catholic Church Is Committed to the Safety of Children

The Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the safety of children. Together we can make a Promise to Protect, and a Pledge to Heal.

Pope Francis Issues Motu Proprio Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”)

The Holy Father issued revised Motu Proprio Vos estis lux mundi for the worldwide response to the evil of sexual abuse. These norms, initially promulgated in 2019, are now permanent.  This add to layers of response already in place in the United States including the Essential Norms and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

These norms affect the global Church and require:

  • easily accessible reporting systems
  • clear standards for the pastoral support of victims and their families
  • timeliness and thoroughness of investigations
  • whistleblower protection for those making allegations
  • active involvement of the laity

Bishops are also to be held accountable under the authority of this Motu Proprio, which covers sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable persons, sexual acts compelled through the abuse of authority, and any coverup or interference with the reporting of such crimes.

The norms also require that Church institutions comply with civil reporting laws.