Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Sexual abuse of minors is a serious crime and a sin. When sexual abuse is committed by a person in the Church, it destroys trust and destroys lives, both emotionally and spiritually. Despite the inadequacy of words of sorrow or apology, I offer my profound sorrow and my apology to those victim survivors and their families who have been so violated by those they trusted. At the same time, I renew the commitment of this diocese to do everything possible to heal victim survivors and their families, to ensure that those who commit abuse are reported to law enforcement and removed permanently from ministry, and to help prevent future abuse through a comprehensive program of education and prevention.
These commitments are articulated in the Diocese of Camden’s Standards for the Protection of Children and Young People. These Standards—which were first promulgated in 2003 and which have now been updated—reflect the ongoing commitment of the Diocese of Camden to implement fully the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests and Deacons approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. These Standards give witness to our commitment to ensure that children and young people are protected when entrusted to our care.
I urge you to become fully acquainted with these Standards so that the expectations of this diocese are never in doubt. With thanks for all you are doing and will do to implement these Standards, I close with the words of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People: We pledge most solemnly to one another and to you, God’s people, that we will work to our utmost for the protection of children and youth.
Fraternally,
Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, D.D., J.C.D.
Bishop of Camden
May 1, 2005