Print Issue: October 24, 2002

Analysis of New 'Norms for Sexual Abuse' Policy

Where The Charter/Norms Originated

At their June plenary meeting in Dallas, the U.S. bishops overwhelmingly adopted the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," a document outlining policies to be followed by every U.S. Catholic diocese in cases of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon or other church personnel. At the same time, norms were approved and submitted to the Vatican by U.S. bishops that would incorporate the policies in the charter into church law. If given a 'recognitio' by the Vatican, the norms become binding particular church law for the United States Catholic Church.

The Vatican Response

After reviewing the charter and the norms, the Vatican has asked that a mixed commission of four U.S. bishops and four representatives of Vatican congregations meet to try to resolve provisions that might be in conflict with universal church law.

Key Areas For Review

Sections that have been identified for review include:

• the definition of sexual abuse in the charter;
• due process for accused priests;
• the role of review boards to be appointed in every diocese to assist the bishop in implementing the charter and reviewing cases.

New Timeline

Vatican officials and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are intending to present revised texts to the plenary meeting of U.S. bishops Nov. 11-14.

How Does This Affect The Archdiocese Of Atlanta?

The Archdiocese of Atlanta has a sexual abuse policy in place that was revised in 1994. This policy has been undergoing a complete revision in light of the adoption of the charter in June. Archbishop John F. Donoghue said the revised policy, which he was preparing to publish, will now await the work of the joint Vatican-U.S. bishops' commission and the November U.S. bishops' meeting.