Diocesan Resources
Fulfilling our Pledge to Protect and Heal (2017)
Fulfilling our Pledge to Protect and Heal
Guiding Parishes to Help Prevent Child Abuse Overseas
Throughout the Gospel, Jesus Christ teaches us to protect children and offer healing to those who suffer. It is our mission to share this message with our faith communities throughout the world, including those who are engaged in partnerships between the Church in the U.S. and abroad. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) are committed to acting collaboratively on child abuse issues confronting the Church and society.
As members of the universal Church, we are called to live in global solidarity with all of our Catholic brothers and sisters. Many Catholic parishes in the United States answer that call through ongoing relationships of mutual giving and receiving with other non-profit organizations and “parish-twins.” In these relationships, parishes in the U.S. and overseas share their unique strengths and weaknesses, and create opportunities for dialogue, planning, assessing, challenging, and reflection. These relationships help U.S. parishes support responsible local leadership, in accordance with the needs of the local Church and community. Most importantly, the relationships nurture faith and provide much-needed support to vulnerable children and their families.