Bishop Barry C. Knestout - Introduction of Action Item for Revisions to Charter

Introduction of Action Item: Proposed Revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People Bishop Barry C. Knestout, Chairman, Committee on the Protection of Children and Young PeopleUSCCB Plenary Assembly – June 10, 2026

In these remarks, Bishop Barry C. Knestout presents the proposed revisions to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. He outlines the multi-year revision process, which maintained the Charter’s core focus on the sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons, in keeping with direction from the body of bishops.

The revisions include a new glossary for consistent terminology, integration of the presumption of innocence for the accused, provisions for mandatory Church reporters, electronic letters of suitability, and protections related to the seal of Confession. Bishop Knestout notes that issues involving adults (including vulnerable adults) will be addressed in a separate forthcoming document on professional behavior standards. He also confirms that the revised Charter will next be reviewed in seven years.

This document provides important context and clarification for the bishops as they consider approval of the updated Charter.

26-Plenary-Charter Action Item (as prepared for delivery)_0.pdf