CAMDEN (June 14, 2002) – I am pleased that the whole body of bishops has united behind decisive, forceful, national norms that place concern for victims first, will protect
children, and which make it unmistakably clear that there is no place in priestly ministry for those who would abuse minors. These comprehensive measures, which are among the most stringent and far-reaching of any religious body in the United States, are consistent with the policies already in effect in the Diocese of Camden, which mandate that any priest known to have committed even a single act of abuse – even in the past – is removed from ministry and not reassigned. I look forward to ensuring that these national norms are fully implemented in this diocese and throughout the country.
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The Diocese of Camden serves 455,000 Catholics living in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May,
Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties.