Response to sex abuse must go beyond compliance, archbishop says

Published: 2008-04-15

SEATTLE (CNS) -- Catholic leaders must move beyond an attitude of simple compliance with safe environment initiatives and instead join in "a ministry of conversion" that will lead to a broader societal effort to end the sexual abuse of children, Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett of Seattle said April 8. "If the primary focus and direction of our efforts is to pass the USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) audit, then we are engaged in the work of compliance," the archbishop said as he opened the National Safe Environment Leadership Conference in Seattle. "If, however, the focus of our efforts is to eradicate child sexual abuse in the church and in society, that is a ministry of conversion." The April 8-11 conference was the third annual gathering of safe environment coordinators from U.S. dioceses and archdioceses. Nearly 90 coordinators from around the country participated in the gathering. Safe environment programs were mandated for all dioceses by the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" approved by the U.S. bishops at their Dallas meeting in June 2002.

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