[This memo was obtained by BishopAccountability.org
in HTML form from the Web site of The Linkup at http://www.thelinkup.org/doyle.html.
As on the Linkup site, we offer it in two parts. The Linkup text is reproduced
exactly here, with one exception. We have removed the date/page footers, because
they make the document difficult to print. We have replaced those footers with
a page number in square brackets, for ease of reference. Note that the page
numbers come at the end of the text to which they refer. So all the text between
[9] and [10] is on page 10 of the original memo.]
CONTENTS
I. PRELIMINARY REMARKS 1
II. THE INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF CHURCH BODIES IN
THIS CASE 3
1. The Diocese of Dallas 3
2. The Military Vicariate 3
3. The Archdiocese of New York 4
4. NCCB-USCC 4
5. Catholic-Owned and Operated Treatment Centers 7
6. The Servants of the Paraclete 8
III. CANON LAW ISSUES 9
1. Sexual Abuse By Priests 9
2. Homosexuality 10
3. Supervisory Issues 11
4. Priests serving in the military 12
5. The Extent of a Priest's Obligations 16
6. The Duty to Report Allegations of Sexual Misconduct 16
7. Canonically Mandated Action in reference to a Report of an Offence 17
8. Standards Relative to A Priest's Personal and/or Inter-Personal Relationships
20
9. The Rights of the Laity 21
IV. RELIGIOUS DURESS AND ROLE MODELS WITHIN THE CHURCH STRUCTURE 22
2. The Catechism of the Council of Trent 23
3. The Code of Canon Law of 1917 23
4. The Vatican II Era 24
V. HOW THE CHURCH HANDLES COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERICS 25
VI. THE DIOCESE AND THE NATIONAL BISHOPS CONFERENCE
(NCCB) 29
3. THE PURPOSE OF THE NCCB/USCC 30
4. WHAT THE NCCB/USCC IS NOT 32
5. THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NCCB/USCC 32
6. PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE NCCB/USCC 33
7. FUNDING 34
8. RELATIONS WITH INDIVIDUAL DIOCESES AND BISHOPS 34
9. RELATIONS WITH THE LAY CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 35
VII. THE NCCB AND THE PROBLEM OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY PRIESTS 35
VIII. RECURRING ISSUES AND QUESTIONS 37
1. Inadequate investigation 37
2. Inadequate supervision
3. Reporting to civil authorities
4. Inadequate treatment of victims
IX. SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERICS: HISTORICAL AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM 38
X. THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY PRIESTS 39
(In Part 2:)
XI. FR. ROBERT RAY PEEBLES 41
XII. FR WILLIAM HUGHES 46
XIII. FR. RUDOLPH KOS 49
XIV. ACCRUAL OF A CAUSE OF ACTION 54
MEMORANDUM
From: Thomas P. Doyle, 0.P., J.C.D.
To: Sylvia Demarest
Date: May 16,1996
Case: Does v. Diocese of Dallas et al
Subject: Dallas Litigation
1. PRELIMINARY REMARKS
1. In preparation for this report I have reviewed relevant portions of the Code
of Canon Law.the fundamental legal document of the Roman Catholic Church. The
Code was formulated first in 1917 and remained in force until 1983 at which
time the revised Code took effect. The norms of the 1917 Code apply to events
in these cases which took place prior to November, 1983. Any and all references
to the separate codifications of Church law will be made clear in the ensuing
paragraphs of this report. The Code governs the actions, relationships and structures
of the Roman .Catholic Church throughout the world. Each bishop of a diocese
is subject to the Code. The Code also regulates the relationships and lines
of authority between bishops and the priests and lay people within their jurisdiction.
2. The purpose of the review of Canon Law is to determine whether there is any
conflict between the regulations and norms contained in the Code and other Church
law provisions, and the secular or civil law on matters related to the impropriety
of sexually abusing, molesting or otherwise harassing children and/or young
adolescents. This review will also seek to determine if there is any conflict
between the requirements of Canon law concerning the reporting and investigation
of suspected incidents of such sexual abuse and the civil law requirements for
the same. Finally, the review will seek to determine if there is any conflict
between the prescribed duties of the clergy and other Church officials as regards
to protection of children and similar duties in civil law.
3. A careful examination of the Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church indicates
that in fact, there is no conflict between Church law and practice and the civil
law requirements concerning the sexual abuse of children. Canon law has long
recognized that sexual contact with children is wrong and quite [1] contrary
to the basic principles of the Catholic Church and is also contrary to the obligations
and very role of the priest. Sexual abuse of minors is deemed a crime in Canon
law, which has its own section on. crimes and penalties. Canon law also contains
provisions which are ordered to the protection of the rights and welfare of
children (among others) and these provisions call for the reporting and investigation
of suspected incidents of child abuse. It may also be helpful to mention the
fact that members of the Catholic Church, including and especially members in
leadership positions such as priests and bishops, are obliged to follow and
obey the civil laws of the country in which they live so long as these laws
are not contrary to divine (God's) law.
4. Since the duties and obligations of civil and canon law are not in conflict,
this case does not require the resolution of any issue involving canon law or
the freedom of religion. All of the issues can and should be resolved pursuant
to the neutral principles of civil law. The civil courts need not be asked to
resolve any contested issue of canon law. The discussion of canon law contained
in this report is for purposes of illustrating the proposition that these provisions
and obligations (of canon law) are no different than the obligations and duties
imposed by civil law. Furthermore this discussion of canon law demonstrates
that the resolution of this case does not involve any issue of religious belief
or religious practice. Freedom of religion, the application of canon or church
law or the undue entanglement of the civil courts in religious governance or
practice. The report also describes the functions, duties and powers of various
ecclesiastical office-holders and entities in 'relation to-the lay Catholic
population. This is derived both from canon law itself, and from on-going practice
of these same entities. This is so that the nature of the various parties will
be clearly understood from the standpoint of how they function on a day to day
basis. Questions in this area can be resolved by applying the neutral principles
of law as in any other civil dispute involving claims of negligence, gross negligence,
malice or fraudulent concealment.
5. I have also reviewed several depositions and other related files pertaining
to the alleged abuse of the several plaintiffs DOE by Robert Peebles, Rudolph
Kos and William J. Hughes, Jr. all of whom were priests of the Diocese of Dallas
at the time the alleged abuse took place. I have also reviewed information in
the form of files, depositions, policy statements etc. pertaining to the Military
Vicariate of the United States also and later known as the Archdiocese for the
Military Services USA and documents, files and statements concerning the National
Conference of Catholic Bishops-United States Catholic Conference (NCCB-USCC).
I understand that there are additional depositions and documents that I have
not had the opportunity to review due to the fact that discovery is not yet
complete.
6. It is my understanding that this case is about the sexual molestation and/or
exploitation of young boys and one young girl by priests incardinated (assigned)
[2] to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Texas, one of whom was an active<
duty chaplain in the United States Army at the time of the alleged abuse. Th(
other two priests, Kos and Hughes, were diocesan priests who were functioning
within the Diocese of Dallas at the time of the alleged abuse.
I. THE INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF CHURCH BODIES IN THIS
CASE
At the outset it appears that there is an inter-relationship between at least
four recognized entities of the Roman Catholic Church and the events and/or
actions which occurred as a result of the alleged sexual abuse of minor children
by the three priests mentioned. These entities are the following: The Diocese
of Dallas, the Military Vicariate of the United States, the Archdiocese of New
York, the Servants of the Paraclete and the National Conference of Catholic
Bishops-United States Catholic Conference. To wit:
7. The Diocese of Dallas: each of the priests was incardinated or officially
assigned to the Diocese of Dallas at the time of the abuse. As such the Diocese
of Dallas had primary authority over the priests and primary pastoral responsibility
for the care of the victims of the abuse suffered at the hands of priests of
the Diocese of Dallas.
2. The Military Vicariate: this entity is directly involved with respect to
the case involving Robert Ray Peebles. Peebles was either reserve or an active
duty chaplain at the time of the abuse of Does I and IV. As such, he remained
a priest of the Diocese of Dallas but a significant "amount of authority
over him as regards the exercise of his pastoral or priestly duties had been
assumed by the Military Vicariate. The Vicariate had been established as an
ecclesiastical entity to foster, supervise and direct the work of chaplains
ministering to military members, their families as well as the Veterans Administration.
The Vicariate was and is recognized the United States Government, Department
of Defense as the primary or fundamental endorsing or approving agent for priests
who sought to be commissioned as military officers and thus exercise their ministry
as military chaplains. By reason of Department of Defense Directive 1304.19
(Jan. 9, 1980, revised and issued again on Nov. 22, 1988)), the Military Vicariate
was charged with implementing the requirements and criteria set forth. The Jan.
9, 1980 document states that the ecclesiastical endorsement of a chaplain certifies
that the chaplain is, among other things, "recommended as being spiritually,
morally, intellectually and emotionally qualified to represent the applicant's
religious body to the chaplaincy of the Armed Forces."
This directive also includes Section D(1c) which requires the sponsoring ecclesiastical
agency to "provide ecclesiastical validation, support, and supervision
of its chaplains." [3]
By reason of this directive, the Vicariate had not only the authority but the
responsibility of determining that individual candidates for the chaplaincy
satisfied the requirements as set forth. The question for consideration is this:
what type of investigation did the Vicariate conduct into the backgrounds of
candidates for the chaplaincy prior to issuing the endorsement and what type
of investigation took place concerning Peebles in particular?
The financial records of the NCCB/USCC demonstrate significant financial support
to the Military Vicariate/AMS from 1979 to 1987, starting with $70,000. In 1979
and ending in 1987 with a contribution of $329,000. The bishops of the Military
Vicariate/AMS are also members of the NCCB/USCC.
3. The Archdiocese of New York: in 1981 and 1984, when the alleged abuse of
Does I and IV at the hands of Peebles took place, the Military Vicariate was
headed by the Archbishop of New York who had been appointed Apostolic Administrator
by the Vatican. Heretofore the Military Vicariate had been headed by a Military
Vicar who had always been the same person as the Archbishop of New York or who
was later known as Apostolic Administrator. The title "Apostolic Administrator"
had been given the Archbishop of New York as regards the Vicariate as part of
the transition process whereby the Vicariate would move from an ecclesiastical
entity dependent on the Archdiocese of New York to a fully independent archdiocese
with its own independent archbishop. The process was completed in 1985 when
the Archbishop of New York (John O'Connor) ceased being Apostolic Administrator
and full authority was invested in Archbishop Joseph T. Ryan, formerly Coadjutor
archbishop of the Military ordinariate or Vicariate as it was also called, as
Archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
4. NCCB-USCC: A strict reading of the Code of Canon law indicates that there
is no authority level between a diocesan bishop and the Pope. Yet the national
bishops' conferences, instituted after Vatican II, do in fact, constitute a
very real source of authority and influence over the diocesan bishops. The conferences
are empowered by church law to legislate for the dioceses within their respective
jurisdictions on a number of issues. The revised Code (1983) contained a number
of areas which were specifically left to the conferences to decide. On an on-going
basis the conferences study and vote on issues which can bind the entire country.
In some instances the ultimate approval of the Holy See is required for such
legislation, yet the fact remains that the conference has the power to make
such policy decisions, the power to propose legislation for the bishops of the
country and the power and resources to provide information, direction and suggested
courses of action for individual bishops. The conferences, including the NCCB-USCC,
can do for bishops of individual dioceses what these bishops could not do on
their own. [4]
The Second Vatican Council, which concluded in
1966, resulted in major reforms in the Catholic Church throughout the world
and in the United States. One of these reforms was the establishment of bishops'
conferences such as the national Conference of Catholic Bishops, in each country
of the world. In the U.S. the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the
United States Catholic Conference establish, coordinate and execute the public
policy of the Catholic bishops, and have assumed the role of the public policy
voice for the Catholic bishops through statements, pastoral letters, and pastoral
plans on a wide variety of subjects, including the interests of children. Officers
and representatives of the NCCB/USCC have frequently represented themselves
to be acting on behalf of the entire community of the Catholic Church in the
United States, including Catholic children.
This entity has assumed responsibility for the study of a number of issues that
impact on the day to day life of Catholics in each diocese in the country including
the Diocese of Dallas. As a corporate entity or conglomerate of the collective
bishops of the US, the NCCB has, over the years, created policies and procedures
and conducted studies in a variety of areas that impact on the individual dioceses.
In many instances the NCCB has sought to influence the public policy of the
federal government of the US and/or the secular governments of the several States
in areas that it assumed some degree of competence or authority over. Some examples
of this attempt at influencing public policy include studies and programs related
to the U.S. policy of Nuclear Deterrence, the U.S. policy relating to immigration
and illegal aliens/health care matters and practices followed I^both Catholic-sponsored
and non-sectarian hospitals, the Right to Life Movement and legislation-related
to abortion, the Hispanic and Black Ministry Movements and-various- kinds of
legislation concerning minorities and immigrants. Family Life ministry. Youth
ministry, and various kinds of legislation concerning education, minorities,
immigrants and the rights of children.
The NCCB also has funded and conducted numerous studies on the physical, emotional,
spiritual and psychological state of the priesthood in the United States and
is and has been cognizant of the various kinds of difficulties facing Catholic
priests. It has given amounts of money to the Catholic sponsored and Catholic
run health care facility specifically geared to treating priests with emotional,
substance and psycho-sexual problems (the Paraclete Facilities).
The NCCB/USCC has been actively involved in studying the life and ministry of
the American priest. The first series of studies was authorized in 1967 and
was published in 1971. These studies have included: The Catholic Priest in the
United States: Historical Investigations (NCCB/USCC. 1972). Sociological Investigations
(1972), Psychological Investigations (1972). [5]
The study of the life and ministry of Catholic
priests has continued through the formation of Ad Hoc committees to implement
these studies. It has also continued with the work of standing or established
committees on "Pastoral research and Practices," and "Priestly
Life and Ministry." The area of study concerning priests also impacts on
and is related to civil law issues. These include the various civil law regulations
and statutes which are connected to the sexual abuse of minor children, a felony
crime in each of the several States and the District of Columbia.
The question of whether and how the NCCB/USCC has used its information, resources
and influence to assist the individual dioceses of the United States, including
the Diocese of Dallas, in dealing with priests who had committed civil crimes
related to child sexual abuse.
The Code of Canon Law also authorizes the NCCB to be directly involved in the
training and formation of Catholic priests through the issuance of nationally
binding programs of priestly formation compiled by the bishops' conference,
approved by the Holy See, and observed in all seminaries throughout the United
States. Code of Canon Law, Canon 242 (1983). The first complete program for
priestly formation was issued in 1971 and has been followed by a second edition
in 1976, a third in 1982, and another in 1986. This coincides with annual visitations
to seminaries by representatives of the NCCB as well as grants to the NCCB Committee
on Certification and Accreditation of Seminaries.
The personnel records of Fr. William Hughes and Fr. Rudolph Kos reflect visitations
to Holy Trinity Seminary by representatives of the NCCB as part of this annual
visitation program. The question then arises: What did the NCCB/USCC do in order
to address the problem of priestly pedophilia through the adoption of appropriate
procedures for the screening of candidates for the priesthood in order to identify
individuals at risk for sexually acting out with children?
Since the NCCB has sought to influence public policy in a number of areas directly
related to Church matters and in keeping with Catholic theology and law, it
can also be presumed to have a direct interest in the moral issues related to
certain of the above mentioned issues. The NCCB/USCC maintains several committees
involved with the welfare of children. These committees are Domestic Social
Policy, International Policy, and Marriage and Family Life. These committees
have published major studies focusing on children and the family. These studies
include; A Family Perspective in Church and Society, a Manual for all Pastoral
Leaders (NCCB 1988) and Putting Children and Families First, a Challenge For
Our Church, Nation, and World (NCCB/USCC 1991) (see section on Abuse and Neglect
at p. 9) as well as a Plan of Pastoral Action for Family Ministry (NCCB/USCC
1978). [6]
Traditionally the Catholic Church has advocated the obligations of the secular
State towards the individual and common good. It has, as an international and
national entity, assumed the right to speak out on various public issues which
it has claimed are grounded in religious teaching and impact on the civic culture.
On the national level the NCCB-USCC has invoked this claim in its efforts to
influence public policy in a number of areas, including areas directly related
to sexual morality such as abortion, sterilization, distribution of contraceptives
etc. Sexual abuse of children is a felony crime in civil law and an ecclesiastical
crime as well. The NCCB has established a pattern of proaction in similar issues.
What action did it take or not take in the matter of the national issue of individual
priests committing unlawful sex acts with minor children.
Finally, the NCCB-USCC possesses broad influence in the area of media communications.
It controls a national news service which is available to religious and secular
news papers throughout the country. It controls a closed-circuit television
network and has a media or public relations staff. This media are has regularly
been used to influence public policy, opinion and practice in areas which the
Catholic Church claims to have competence over, including matters related to
sexual morality. The question is, did the NCCB-USCC ever use this media power
and if so, to what extent, to either explain openly the problem of sexual abuse
of minors by priests or to warn the faithful about this problem.
In spite of claims that it is simply a pastoral advisory entity, the NCCB-USCC
has vast resources, receives very significant funding to operate its bureaucracy
from individual lay Catholics, Catholic organizations individual dioceses and
maintains various kinds of offices or representatives in individual dioceses.
The practice of the NCCB-USCC has demonstrated that it is, in fact, acting as
a governing body by establishing policy and supervising the implementation of
this policy over issues of national concern to the Catholic Church in the US
as opposed to issues of merely local concern to the individual dioceses. This
reality is in opposition to the NCCB/USCC's claims that they have no relationship
to the lay Catholic community and no duty to exercise due care to protect this
community from known danger.
5. Catholic-Owned and Operated Treatment Centers: Numerous Catholic-owned and
operated facilities have been available for some time for the treatment of Catholic
priests upon the recommendation of their bishop. These have included Seton Hospital
in Baltimore (which closed in 1972), St. John's in Pennsylvania, St. Bonaventure,
Southdown in Toronto, St. John Vianney Center in Downingtown, Pennsylvania,
the Institute for Living, House of Affirmation, St. Luke Institute, and numerous
facilities operated by Servants of the Paraclete in various locations in the
United States. This list is not exhaustive since there are possibly other such
church-related centers in the United States arid Canada. [7]
In addition, some priests and religious are sent to non-sectarian health care
institutions. In November, 1995 numerous additional centers were discussed by
the bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse, including the Behavioral Medicine
Institute of Atlanta, Isaac Ray Center in Chicago, the Johns Hopkins Medical
Institutions, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, in Baltimore, the
Progressive Clinical Services in Cincinnati, Shalom Center, Inc. in Splendora,
Texas, and St. Louis Consultation Service in St. Louis, Missouri. It is also
known that Catholic clerics are frequently treated by psychologists and psychiatrists
in their local community and/or through secular treatment centers in their state
and local area.
6. The Servants of the Paraclete. The Servants of the Paraclete is a religious
institute approved of and affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Its mission
is the care of priests with psychological and physical problems. The Paracletes
have operated treatment centers in various locations in the United States since
their foundation, two of which are presently operating in the State of new Mexico.
The Servant's facilities are properly known as health care facilities. Priests
and religious men from throughout the United States are sent, upon the recommendation
of their bishops or religious superiors, to the Servants at one of their facilities
for evaluation and treatment for a variety of problems. All of these are maladies
that are highly sensitive and potentially embarrassing in nature, e.g., alcohol
and drug abuse, sexual problems. Priests with less embarrassing or potentially
damaging difficulties such as ordinary physical ailments, are generally treated
at conventional health care facilities.
Priests sent to the Paraclete's are supported in their therapy by the religious
institutions to which they belong, i.e., dioceses and religious communities.
In a sense the Paraclete's depend on bishops and religious superiors for their
survival since it is these bishops and superiors who send priests to the Paraclete's
and who pay their bills. The Paraclete's have also received an annual grant
from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops through 1989. Often times the
future of priests who complete therapy at the Paraclete's depends in great part
on the findings of the health care providers while they are in treatment and
upon the final recommendations and prognosis of these providers.
Although the bishops as individuals and as a corporate group do not have direct
or official control over these church related institutions, there is a significant
amount of "unofficial" control in that it is the bishops who provide
priests/patients to these institutions and it is the bishops and religious superiors
who pay the treatment fees. In the case of the Paracletes the situation is somewhat
different in that the religious institution of the Paracletes depends on the
approval of the church authorities for its existence as an officially recognized
religious community. For example, Fr. Liam Hoare, Servant General of the Paracletes,
has acknowledged receiving and obeying directives from the [8] bishops' conference
concerning the retention and destruction of records. Significant numbers of
Catholic Clerics have been treated at these various facilities. Dr. Jay Feierman,
a psychiatric consultant the Servants of the Paraclete, testified in the case
involving Fr. Mel Baltazar that he had evaluated 300 such clerics from 1976
through December, 1983 at the New Mexico facility. In an affidavit provided
in the Kos case. Dr. Feierman stated that a total of 1,000 Catholic clerics
had been evaluated from 1976 - 1995. This is in addition to the numbers treated
at the other facilities which, if known, would appear to comprise a significant
percentage of total Catholic clerics over the years. This raises the question
of what has been the response of the NCCB/USCC to this issue, including the
pastoral response to children known to have been abused, and children known
to be at risk for future sexual abuse?
III. CANON LAW ISSUES
1. Sexual Abuse By Priests
The sexual abuse of or contact with a minor under the age of 16 is a violation
of a priest's obligation of celibacy. This obligation is clearly set forth in
both the 1917 and 1983 Codes of Canon law (canons 132 and 277). Because sexual
acting out with a minor by a cleric is particularly heinous, it has also been
enumerated as a crime or delict in Canon Law.
This crime is mentioned in the 1917 Code in Canon 2359, 2 and in the 1983 Code
in Canon 1395. This is not the first time sexual activity by clerics with minors
is mentioned in the law of the Church. The Canon in the 1917 Code, repeated
in the 1983 Code, was based on earlier specific legislation enacted by the Church.
This legislation, specifically mentioned sex with minors because of its particularly
reprehensible nature, goes back to the earliest days of the Church and is found
repeatedly in collections of ecclesiastical laws.
The canons mentioned above state that clerics guilty of sex abuse of minors
are to be punished with appropriate penalties not excluding dismissal from the
clerical state.
In addition to the canons directly related to sexual abuse, there are other
related offenses. One canon for instance, states that an offense is aggravated
if the offender used his office or position to aid in the perpetration of the
offense.
The Code does not mention homosexuality or homosexual acts specifically. However,
it is clear that homosexual acts whether with age-appropriate persons or underage
persons, are forbidden by the obligation of chastity. The 1917 Code stated that
clerics who committed any crime against the sixth [9] commandment, especially
if they had care of souls, were to be punished with severe penalties.
A crime against the "sixth commandment" is, in ecclesiastical parlance,
any act of a sexual nature with members of one's own or the opposite sex. This
can include various forms of sexual intercourse, touches, embraces etc. The
Canon in the 1917 Code stresses that the offense is particularly serious if
committed by one who had the "care of souls." This too is canonical
language or Church parlance and it refers directly to priests who have pastoral
duties as pastors or assistant pastors.
In Sum: Sexual abuse or contact with adults and children is strictly forbidden
by Church law. Sex with children is considered in Church law to be an especially
grave offense.
2. Homosexuality
Homosexuality as such is generally considered to be a sexual orientation just
as heterosexuality is an orientation. There are differing opinions among Catholic
moral theologians as to whether this situation is a freely chosen state or one
that the person has no control over. Recent Catholic pronouncements however
have agreed that the sexual orientation of homosexuality in itself is not wrong,
however acting out sexually is wrong.
It is a fact that there are numerous members of the Catholic clergy who are
homosexual in orientation. Some estimates range from between 30 to 50% of Catholic
clergy. Like members of the laity, the clergy have not always made a clear distinction
between homosexuality and pedophilia (or other sexual disorders for that matter).
In the past it was common to refer to priests who had sexually abused male children
as homosexuals when in fact "pedophiles" would have been the correct
term. This confusion exists today. In much of the documentation I have read
concerning sexual abuse cases, I am convinced that the use of the term "homosexual"
when referring to actions with young boys actually meant pedophilia or at least
pedophilic acts. Obviously not all homosexual priests are also pedophiles. Not
all pedophiles are homosexuals in the common understanding of the term. A man
who is sexually attracted to young boys may be a homosexual pedophile but not
necessarily a homosexual in the sense that he is sexually attracted to males
his own age. In sum, this discussion of the clinical nature and categorization
of the disorders which prompt men to seek out either children or young adolescents
for sexual gratification is actually within the competence of medical professionals.
It is useful within the context at hand however, for purposes of clarification
and accuracy in the discussion. [10]
3. Supervisory Issues
The bishop of a diocese has nearly complete authority within his diocese. Canon
law states that he is at once the legislator, judge and executive officer of
the diocese. In the Church power is vested in persons and not in bodies as is
the case in American secular government. The bishop is answerable directly to
the Pope. Priests and others within a diocese are answerable directly to the
bishop. There may be others with authority positions such as vicars, chancellors,
board directors etc., but these all have delegated power. The bishop is a single
authority of the diocese with power in his own name. The archbishop of the ecclesiastical
province, in this case the archbishop of San Antonio, does not have canonically
derived authority over the bishop of Dallas, however he does have a kind of
unofficial persuasive power or moral authority over the bishops of other dioceses
within the province.
The bishop has what amounts to absolute authority over the priests incardinated
in his diocese. This means that he alone can decide if they can be ordained
priests. He has the final word on assignments and can always overrule any recommendations
given him by a personnel board or anyone else. The Code states that the bishop's
primary duties are to see that the laws of the Church are obeyed by all and
that abuses, particularly moral abuses, are to be prevented. The 1983 Code specifically
states that bishops are to see that priests fulfill the obligations of their
state (Canon 384).
Another way of looking at the bishop's supervisory duty is within the context
of his obligations towards all the faithful. He is obliged to see that faith
and morals are protected. In selecting priests for ordination and after ordination
for assignment to parishes and other ministerial positions, the bishop is to
first make sure that the candidate possess all of the requisite intellectual,
spiritual and moral qualities. With regard to pastors and assistant pastors,
the bishop has the obligation of seeing that the requisite qualities are present
in those he appoints. These include "good moral character, learning, zeal,
prudence." (Canon 454) In the recent past (since Vatican Council II) bishops
have created clergy personnel boards or committees. These committees have functioned
in various ways but basically, their task has been to evaluate needs of parishes
and other ministerial positions, qualifications of candidates for these positions,
and make recommendations to the bishops.
The bishop's duties are also mentioned in the section of the Code dealing with
Catholic education. They are to watch that in any schools in their diocese nothing
is done or taught which is contrary to faith and good morals (Canon 1381,2).
Finally, it is most important to understand that the Catholic Church's governmental
and judicial system is fundamentally different from that of a [11] democratic
society. Its governmental system is hierarchic with power descending from the
top down, and vested in persons assigned/appointed to various offices. Power
is not obtained by election to. an office by the laity. There are no checks
and balances. Legislation may be drawn up by consultative bodies but it takes
force or has meaning only when enacted on or given such force by individuals
with legislative power (the Pope and diocesan bishops). Even the decrees of
ecumenical councils, e.g., Vatican II, are meaningless unless they are approved
by the Pope.
At this juncture however, the influence of certain corporate bodies (especially
the national bishops' conferences) cannot be discounted. The NCCB for instance,
a corporate body comprised of the American bishops, can vote on legislation
as allowed by Canon Law. It can also propose and vote on legislation not specifically
contained in the Law, which legislation would in turn be approved by the Holy
See for implementation in the dioceses of the United States. In effect then,
although legislative power resides in individual office holders on one level,
the corporate body of the NCCB in fact, possesses power to draw up and propose
legislation.
Similarly the judicial system, contained in the Code of Canon Law, reflects
the hierarchical nature of government. The bishop is the first judge of his
diocese. He appoints judges and other judicial officials. He has the power to
initiate judicial inquiries, investigations or trials.
One of the priests accused of sexual abuse was an active duty chaplain at the
time that some of the abuse took place. As such he fell under the authority
of his own bishop, the bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. He was also under the
authority of the bishop (archbishop) of the Military Vicariate, later known
as the Archdiocese for the Military Services. It is important to understand
the precise nature of the rather unique situation of priests serving in the
military.
In sum: The bishop has almost total authority over priests. He has a clear canonical
obligation to assign only qualified priests to parish positions.
4. Priests serving in the military
Both diocesan and religious priests serve as chaplains in the U.S. military.
While doing so they fall under the authority of three separate entities: the
U.S. Military Service to which they are attached, their own diocese or religious
community and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, formerly known as the
Military Vicariate and Military Ordinariate This is a unique situation which
is repeated in certain other countries for military chaplains.
a. A chaplain in the United States' military services is a military officer,
commissioned, trained and subject to the same regulations as other [12] officers.
The military service determines his assignments, provides for his training,
pays him etc. The religious entities have nothing to say about his assignments
nor about where he may .go while on duty (TDY for example, whereby a chaplain
may be sent to Saudi Arabia, Bosnia, South America on temporary duty). As a
chaplain he is subject to the same rules of behavior as other officers as well
as to special rules that cover the military chaplaincy. He is also subject to
his own denominational rules or norms, which for Catholic priest are contained
in the Code of Canon Law. Because of his position as a chaplain, he is looked
upon or regarded by the military authorities as a kind of moral leader, expected
to set a good example by his lifestyle and behavior.
b. In order to become a military chaplain, a man must meet the minimum standards
(age, physical health, weight etc.) demanded by the particular service. Before
he can be commissioned he must first obtain the permission of his own religious
superior (bishop or superior of his religious institute). This permission is
known as an endorsement and is sent to the Archdiocese for the Military Services.
The Military Vicariate/ Archdiocese for the Military Services (hereinafter referred
to as the AMS), acts as the final endorsing agency for a priest. The AMS is
recognized by the Department of Defense as the official endorsing agency for
Catholic priests who are prospective chaplains in the various military services.
The guidelines covering endorsement, what it means and presumes, are found in
DOD directives, especially number 1304.19 (Jan. 8, 1980 and Nov. 22, 1988).
This endorsement, according to the government regulation, "shall certify
that the applicant is....(c.) Recommended as being spiritually, morally, intellectually
and emotionally qualified to represent the applicant's religious body in the
chaplaincy of the Armed Services." (Jan. 8, 1980, n. 4, c.)
The precise and detailed manner by which the AMS investigates or otherwise determines
that these criteria are met is not set forth in the DOD directive. Presumably
the AMS seeks information from the applicant's bishop or religious superior
and presumably this information is com`lete and honest when provided. It is
also understood that applicants must meet the fundamental requirements expected
of all priests as found in the Code of Canon Law, which requirements include
moral and spiritual fitness to exercise the duties of the priest. A priest who
fails to meet his own denomination's requirements for fitness by that very fact,
fails to meet the requirements of the DOD. Consequently an endorsement cannot
be given.
c. After the AMS endorses a priest, the paperwork for his commission may commence.
If he passes the physical etc., as well as the security check conducted by the
military service, he may be commissioned as an officer. [13]
Endorsement alone does not guarantee that the military service will accept a
candidate.
d. The priest has a unique relationship to the AMS. He is not assigned by them,
nor do they take the place of his proper bishop. The AMS has the ecclesiastical
authority to issue certain disciplinary regulations with regard to pastoral
matters such as the administration of the sacraments. Chaplains are not incardinated
into the AMS. The AMS has a certain amount of authority over a chaplain: they
can remove his endorsement which means that he will have to leave the Catholic
chaplaincy but not necessarily the military service although removal of an endorsement
in practice usually means the end of a military career. The AMS can also suspend
a priest for violation of Canon law. It can institute canonical disciplinary
procedures just as the priest's proper bishop can do.
e. The AMS was originated as a Vicariate for military chaplains in 1917. A Vicariate
is an ecclesiastical entity somewhat like a diocese in that it is set up to
foster the spiritual care of people in a certain territory or of all people
of a certain class, in this case, military personnel. The first military vicar
was Bishop Patrick Hayes. When he became Archbishop of New York he also retained
his position as military vicar. Subsequent to his death, the archbishops of
New York were also appointed as military vicars and later called Military Ordinaries.
The military ordinariate was a unique entity that served primarily as the endorsing
agent and as a record keeping agency for military chaplains. In 1975 Archbishop
Joseph Ryan was named coadjutor archbishop for the Military Ordinariate. The
proper bishop was still the archbishop of New York.
After Cardinal Cooke died in 1983, Cardinal O'Connor was appointed Archbishop
of New York. He was shortly thereafter appointed Apostolic Administrator of
the Military Ordinariate as a first step in completely separating the latter
entity from the Archdiocese of New York. He remained in this position until
1985. In 1985 all of the Military ordinariates and vicariates in the world were
named as separate dioceses. On March 25, 1985 Archbishop Ryan was named the
first completely independent archbishop of the new archdiocese for the military
services. At that time the AMS became totally independent of the Archdiocese
of New York.
f. Prior to its independence, although the Military Ordinariate (or Vicariate)
was officially headed by the archbishop of New York, the day to day affairs
were conducted by auxiliary bishops specifically named for it. In 1975 Archbishop
Ryan was appointed coadjutor archbishop with the intention that he be the de
facto functioning head of the military ordinariate. [14]
g. In matters of day to day discipline, the military service has primary authority
over chaplains. If they get in trouble while on active duty, transgress military
law or regulations etc., they are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
A military commander does not, as a matter of course, notify a priest's ecclesiastical
superiors if the priest gets in trouble. If there is a question about the deportment
of a priest or if a priest gets in some form of trouble, a commander will usually
bring it to the attention of the priest's supervisor, the senior chaplain on
the installation. The senior chaplain would then notify the senior chaplain
in the major command and/or the chief of chaplains. The local senior chaplain
might also notify the priest's endorsing agency, namely, the AMS.
h. If a chaplain is charged with a felony offense while on active duty, people
in the chain of command will be notified according to the protocol for such
notification. These would include the office of the Chief of Chaplains, the
military body responsible for chaplains. (Since chaplains, though officers,
are not allowed to hold command in the military, the ultimate special authority
under which they fall is not a command as such. Rather the head chaplain is
called "chief" rather than "commander."
i. If a chaplain gets in trouble, the information is passed on up the line from
installation chaplain, to command chaplain to chief. Disciplinary action is
not taken by the chaplains but by the line officer under whose authority the
chapel section falls. He has no responsibility to notify or consult with the
priest's civilian superior in such cases.
j. The chaplains on lower levels of authority would ordinarily defer to the
chief of chaplains to notify a priest's civilian superior.'
k. There are no direct lines of authority in the military chain of command between
the military and the AMS. In other words, the AMS is not part of the military
chain of command but is a civilian agency separate from the military and the
DOD.
l. General Comments on the AMS or Vicariate: The AMS is an authentic "diocese"
as generally defined by the Code of Canon Law. It is a unique ecclesiastical
entity however because of the fact that it possesses no set territory and has
as its subjects persons of a specific class (military active duty, dependents,
residents of VA facilities). The jurisdiction of the AMS in matters of dispensations,
marriage, baptism etc. extends to persons dwelling on military installations
and all military persons anywhere. [15]
Another factor that makes the AMS unique is the nature and scope of its authority
over both the lay participants and the clergy. It has no clergy properly incardinated
or officially attached to it. This limits the scope of disciplinary authority
it has over the clergy. All priests related to the AMS as chaplains are incardinated
into another diocese or religious Institute somewhere.
For administrative purposes the AMS has a diocesan curia (Canon 469-494). The curia processes dispensations for sacramental purposes and provides other support activities for the chaplains. There is also a tribunal or court which deals exclusively with matrimonial matters (annulments). It also has an extensive sacramental records department which includes records of the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first communion.
5. The Extent of a Priest s Obligations
A priest is bound by his obligations of celibacy
and overall good conduct not
only during those times when he is fulfilling some official duties within his
parish but at all times... .this includes when he is on vacation, days off etc.
His
primary ministry is to preach by good example. The bishop has authority over
a priest at all times and in all places.
The priest is obliged to observe the law of celibacy. He is also obliged to avoid any situations that would cause scandal, wonderment or possibly lead to inappropriate situations.
A priest is a priest at all times... ,24 hours a day and 7 days a week, when on "duty", on days off and/or on vacation. He is a priest whether he is in his home diocese or whether he is somewhere else.
6. The Duty to Report Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct by a priest with anyone but particularly with a child is an especially serious offense. Sexual misconduct with a child or minor is singled out by the Code of Canon Law (1917 and 1983) as a specific canonical crime. From this is can be deduced that it is particularly odious and particularly problematic for the church. It causes grave harm to the child, his parents and family and to the community in general (both Church community and secular community). Because of the extremely grave harm that an be caused a child, allegations of sexual abuse must not be dismissed without thorough investigation and must be reported by all who become aware of them. This obligation is especially onerous for other priests since they have a special obligation towards the laity and towards children. [16]
Pastors are responsible for the spiritual and moral welfare of all in their charge. If serious harm is coming to someone because of the actions of an assistant priest for instance, it is the pastor s duty to do all he can to correct this harm. The Code does not make specific mention of possible harm from sexual abuse however the obligation to act may be deduced from other canons of a more general nature which deal with the pastor s obligations regarding the spiritual and moral welfare of the people (canons 464, 470). Pastors are to see that nothing is done against faith or morals in their parish, especially in the schools (Canon 469).
The 1917 Code was more specific than the 1983 Code about the pastor s supervisory role over his assistant pastors. Canon 476 states that the pastor is to "paternally instruct and direct them in the care of souls, watch over them and send each year a report to the bishop concerning their conduct."
Is there a specifically mentioned duty to report a canonical crime? The 1917 Code had provisions for liability with regard to canonical crimes. Canon 2209 states quite clearly that a person who, because of his office ("office" here refers to any official Church position, including pastor or bishop but also vicar etc.) failed to prevent an offense, sheltered an offender etc. shared in the responsibility for the offense itself. This liability also includes carelessness in supervision by a superior over a subject.
In sum: Pastors especially but other priests also have a canonical obligation to report allegations of sexual abuse of children by priests (or anyone for that matter) to Church officials. This is no different from the duty imposed by civil law to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate department of child protective services. This discussion again demonstrates that there is no material conflict between the obligations of secular and Canon law with regard to the duty to supervise, report, investigate, and thus protect children from sexual abuse. There is also no conflict between Canon and secular law on the issue of liability for negligence in this area
7. Canonically Mandated Action in reference to a Report of an Offence
A Bishop has a grave moral and canonical obligation to safeguard the spiritual welfare of all those who are under his care. These include Catholics who have actual residence in a diocese as well as those who may be simply staying there temporarily. This obligation is mentioned in the Code (Canon 383) and in the many documents that deal with the office of Bishop. Much of the non-canonical information is contained in several important Vatican II decrees, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Nov. 21, 1964), The Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church (Oct. 28, 1965) the Apostolic Letter implementing certain aspects of this decree, Ecclesiae Sanctae (Aug. 6, 1966) and the Directory on the Pastoral Office of Bishops (1974) [17]
a. The other factor in assessing the bishop s obligation to investigate and take appropriate action when an accusation is made against a cleric is the nature of the bishop s relationship to a cleric. Because this is such a close and all- pervasive relationship, the bishop can hardly absolve himself of responsibility for what a cleric under his authority does whether the action takes place while the priest is actually performing ministerial duties such as performing the liturgy, or not. This issue is treated in the canons of both the 1917 Code but more clearly in the 1983 Code:
The diocesan bishop is to attend to the priests with special concern and listen to them as his assistants and advisers; he is to protect their rights and see to it that they correctly fulfill the obligations proper to their state and that means and institutions which they need are available to them to foster their spiritual and intellectual life... (Canon 384)
b. Thus in evaluating the bishop s obligation to
personally investigate and take action when an accusation of child molestation
is made, we have three canonical imperatives at work:
- the first is the bishop s obligation to show concern for all of the faithful
and the right to this according to the Code and
- the second is the bishop s obligation to see to it that the priests observe
their obligations in regard to chastity.
-A third consideration is no less important and that is the obligation to investigate
the allegation of a serious canonical crime.
c. In the Code there is a section dealing with penal law. There is a specific crime mentioned which deals with offenses by priests against the law of celibacy.
"Apart from the case mentioned in can. 1394
[attempted marriage], a cleric living in concubinage, and a cleric who continues
in some other external sin against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue which
causes scandal, is to be punished with suspension. To this end other penalties
can progressively be added if after a warning he persists in the offense, until
eventually he can be dismissed from the clerical state.
2. A cleric who has offended in other ways against the sixth commandment of
the Decalogue, if the crime was committed by force, or by threats, or in public,
or with a minor under the age of sixteen years, is to be punished with just
penalties, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state if the case so warrants."
(canons 1395)
N.B. By the sixth commandment of the Decalogue is meant the traditional sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" which is used in the law to include any sexual activity outside of marriage. [18]
d. The Code, in the same section on penal law, contains canons which outline the manner with which an allegation is to be investigated. If there is reason to believe that a canonical crime was committed, there is also procedure to be followed for a judicial examination with the possible application of penalties.
e. If such a matter is reported to a confessor or a spiritual director, a problem arises with the issue of confidential/privileged communications. Priests are neverallowed to divulge anything revealed to them in confession for any reason or under any circumstances (Canon 983). With a spiritual director/mentor, a person has a special and confidential relationship. Information revealed to such a person also falls under the umbrella of confidentiality and it would not be expected nor ethically proper to reveal such information to a third party. However, the appropriate action for the spiritual director would be to advise the person aggrieved to report such actions to the proper diocesan authorities. It would also be possible for the spiritual director to obtain the specific permission of the directee to disclose the information to third parties.
f. Ordinarily in sexual misconduct cases involving priests, the preliminary investigation of the incident should take place very quickly after the report is received. In the canons concerning the preliminary investigation (canons 1939- 1946 of the 1917 Code and canons 1717-1728 of the 1983 Code), it says that if information about an offense comes forward from any source....report, rumor, complaint, public knowledge, an investigation is to take place. This investigation is initiated by the bishop and is to be documented.) After the proofs have been examined (reports, interviews etc.) the accused is then to be confronted. Once he is confronted the decision on subsequent action is made. The bishop has a choice of judicial or administrative action.
g. Action on an offense can be either in the form of judicial action (a canonical trial) or administrative action. It can result in the imposition of a canonical penalty.
The canons do not mention a specific penalty for the commission of the crime of sexual abuse of minors. The gravity of the penalty depends on the gravity of the offence and attending circumstances, such as force etc. Transfer of a priest from one parish to another is not a penalty nor is it an acceptable administrative action in the light of a confirmed commission of an ecclesiastical crime.
The bishop is not obliged to impose a penalty but should do so only as a last resort after it is clear that the damage resulting from the crime has not been [19] repaired, nor the offender reformed. In any event, the bishop is obliged to conduct an investigation according to the norms of the law and following the procedures outlined in the norms of the law, prior to making any decision.
If there is a question of mixed jurisdiction i.e., when two or more ecclesiastical jurisdictions are involved, the obligation to investigate can fall on all three bishops since all three have some form of jurisdiction over the victim, perpetrator and territory. This is true in the Doe I case since the Dallas Diocese was the home diocese of the priest, the Military Vicariate had authority over him because he was an active duty military chaplain and the territorial diocese wherein Ft. Benning is located, since the victim spent time after the offense was reported, in the care of civilian diocesan priests of the local area.
In sum: There is a process in Canon law for investigating complaints, including complaints of sex abuse, which is a canonical crime.
8. Standards Relative to A Priest s Personal and/or Inter-Personal Relationships
The canons of the 1917 and 1983 Codes are clear on the basic standards of the deportment of priests concerning the obligation of chastity. There is no question that the priest is obliged to refrain from any kind of sexual activity with adults and children of either sex. The priest is also obliged to conduct himself in a mature, stable, responsible and Christian manner. In addition to the Code, there are other sources from Church documents which point out standards of priestly conduct.
Priests are charged with representing Christ and the Church to the people whom they are called to serve. They are charged with treating all people with respect and kindness. It goes without saying that taking advantage of people is not part of the job description of a priest. They are called to be prudent in their dealings.
a. The Vatican Council s decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests states that "..in building up the Church priests ought to treat everybody with the greatest kindness after the model of our Lord. They should act towards people not according to what would please men but according to the demands of Christian doctrine and life." (par. 6)
b. The council recognized the special kind of leadership
role of the priest. Because of the spiritual power involved it is easy to take
advantage of this leadership role for personal gain. To this end the same document
says "Priests should therefore, occupy their position of leadership as
men who do not seek the things that are their own but the things that are Jesus
Christ s. [20]
c. In part, the standards of conduct can be deduced from the section in the
Codeconcerning the rights of the faithful and the laity. They have the right
to make their needs known and to express their opinions (c. 212) and they have
a right to be assisted in the spiritual riches of the Church (c. 213)
d. Taking any kind of sexual advantage of a person is in no way consonant with the standards of conduct of a priest.
9. The Rights of the Laity
The Church is hierarchical in its political and social structure. Power rests in persons not in representative bodies. There is little if any system of checks and balances, separation of powers or accountability of office holders to the laity. The Code of Canon Law is a legal system which grew out of monarchical governmental systems and reflects this bias quite clearly. Nevertheless with the Vatican Council came a demand that certain rights of the laity be recognized and included in the Church s legal structure. Although the mention of these rights has only been included in the 1983 Code, the fact of the rights is grounded in Vatican Council II and in other more fundamental theological issues.
In assessing the responsibility of the Church governmental structure to respond to the victims of sexual abuse by the clergy it is helpful to consider the nature of the rights of the laity. At this point, it might be interesting to note that in the USA there are 59,000,000 Catholics. Of this number there are 50,000 priests, 11 Cardinals, 45 archbishops and 344 bishops (this number includes active and retired). Thus the governmental, leadership or clerical section of the Church amounts to about .008 % of the total. Vatican II teaches that the Church is the "People of God" and not simply the government, hierarchy or clergy.
The Code of Canon Law of 1983 contains a significant section on the rights of the faithful, canons 208-223(both clerics and laity) and the rights of the laity, canons 224- 231. The theological foundation for these rights, especially those accorded to the laity, is revolutionary in the new Code, which was promulgated or published in 1984. These rights are grounded in the new understanding of the meaning of the "Church" which was set forth by Vatican Council II, especially in the constitution on The Church, commonly referred to by its Latin name Lumen Gentium. Basically, the Church is no longer identified with the institution as such, the structures or the hierarchy (which includes all clerics). With the new definition, the Church is more accurately understood to be "The People of God," meaning that the Church is all of the people who profess belief. This has impact on cases such as this because it ties in with the justification [21] often heard from Church officials for either denying wrong-doing by the clergy or attempting to minimize it. People who believe themselves aggrieved are often asked not to take civil action or otherwise make an issue in order to avoid scandal "for the good of the Church." In such instances the concept of the "Church" is erroneous since the "good" referred to is the "good of the power structure" or institution. Thus, the true good of the Church is best served by calling to accountability clerics and office holders who abuse the laity in any way.
a. Basically, all of the faithful have the right to make their needs known to Church officials. The Canon (Canon 212, par 2) refers to making needs known to the "pastors" of the Church. "Pastors" refers to the bishops. Thus a person abused has the right to make the need for redress known to the bishop.
b. Another Canon (Canon 220) states that "No one is permitted to damage unlawfully the good reputation which another person enjoys nor to violate the right of another person to protect his or her own privacy."
c. Finally, Canon 221 states that all of the faithful have the right to vindicate their rights before a competent ecclesiastical court according to the norms of law. Basically this is the right to due process. This would be the Canon to which one would appeal in arguing that a person alleging sexual abuse by a cleric has a right to some form of process.
In sum: the laity have certain rights to just treatment at the hands of Church leadership. The section on their rights is important as a foundation for assessing the way that lay persons have been treated when they have approached the Church leadership about sex abuse by priests. In short, they have a right to justice.
IV. RELIGIOUS DURESS AND ROLE MODELS WITHIN THE CHURCH STRUCTURE
1. By tradition, Catholics have been taught to hold the priesthood and the bishopric, and priests and bishops themselves, in the highest esteem. This attitude of respect has been fostered by official Church teaching on the meaning of the sacrament of Holy Orders (the priesthood, bishopric and diaconate). This teaching is contained both in theological documents and in Canon law. It is important to understand or grasp this attitude in order to put into proper perspective the way that reports of sexual abuse by clerics have historically been handled by Church officials as well as the reluctance on the part of catholics to believe that such sexual abuse occurs. This attitude also [22] helps to explain why victims themselves often were reluctant to step forward and report an incident.
2. The Catechism of the Council of Trent contains statements that basically summarize the Church s understanding of the priesthood as it was taught up to the era of Vatican Council II. The present official understanding is much akin to that found in this document although couched in terms that are less triumphalistic.
In the first place, then, the faithful should be shown how great is the dignity and excellence of this sacrament considered in its highest degree, the priesthood.
Bishops and priests being, as they are, God s interpreters and ambassadors, empowered in his name to teach mankind the divine law and the rules of conduct and holding, as they do, His place on earth, it is evident that no nobler function than theirs can be imagined. Justly therefore are they called not only Angles, but even gods, because of the fact that they exercise in our midst the power and prerogatives of the immortal God.
In all ages priests have been held in the highest honor; yet the priests of the New testament far exceed all others. For the power of consecrating and offering the body and blood of our Lord and of forgiving sins, which has been conferred on them, not only has nothing equal or like it on earth, but even surpasses human reason and understanding. (The Catechism of the Council of Trent, translated by McHugh and Callan, 1923)
3. The Code of Canon Law of 1917 put into legislation the practical application of traditional teaching on the priesthood. In the first place, only clerics could hold the power of jurisdiction or actual power, in the Church. Only clerics could hold ecclesiastical offices. In general this is repeated in the revised Code. In addition, several other canons or sections of canons point to this exalted position.
a. "All the faithful owe reverence to clerics according to their various grades and offices; and they commit a sacrilege if they do real injury to a cleric, (Canon 119)
b. Clerics could not be summoned before civil courts unless special permission was obtained to do so. (Canon 120) [23]
c. Certain occupations, activities and entertainments were considered unbecoming for clerics because of their state. (i.e., hunting to hounds, unbecoming shows, practicing a trade or doing business.
d. Persons who laid violent hands on a cleric (from the Pope on down to simple priests) were punished by excommunication.
4. The Vatican II Era. The mood of the Church Vatican Council II was such that the exalted phrases of the pre-Vatican era were not included in Vatican II documents nor in the revised Code of Canon Law. However the attitude or conviction of the superiority of the priests and bishops is still evident.
a. "The Christian faithful, conscious of their own responsibilities, are bound by Christian obedience to follow what the sacred pastors, as representatives of Christ, declare as teachers of the faith or determine as leaders of the Church." (Canon 212, 1, revised Code)
b. "Through the Holy Spirit who has been given to them, bishops are the successors of the apostles by divine institution; they are constituted pastors in the Church so that they are the teachers of doctrine, priests of sacred worship and ministers of governance." (Canon 375 of the revised Code)
c. "One who uses physical force against a cleric or religious out of contempt for the faith, or for the Church, or ecclesiastical power, or ministry, is to be punished with a just penalty." (Canon 1369 of the revised Code)
5. Deacons, priests and bishops are not lay people but belong to a separate state in life called the clerical state. The Church has consistently taught that the clerical state is of divine institution, i.e., instituted by God.
"Among the Christian faithful by divine institution there exist in the Church sacred ministers, who are called clerics by law, and other Christian faithful, who are called laity." (Canon 207,1 of the revised Code)
a. Only members of the clerical state may exercise holy orders or the powers of the diaconate, priesthood and bishopric. A man becomes a cleric automatically when he is ordained a deacon. If he is removed from the clerical state, he is forbidden to exercise the powers of the holy order he holds.
b. Only clerics can hold most of the key offices in the Church. [24]
c. There has arisen and exists an attitude commonly known as "clericalism" which is marked by a presumption that clerics are above the laity and entitled to special privileges and respect. Some of the effects of this attitude have been manifest in the laity in the past and continue to be manifest. These would include an enduring attitude that it is sinful or wrong to make any kind of accusation against a priest or a bishop. There also continues to exist a belief among some that priests and bishops cannot and would not do anything considered to be evil or wrong.
d. In the past Catholics were consistently taught to have the highest respect for a priest and even higher respect for a bishop. In the broader spectrum of civil society, it is not uncommon to find the conviction among civic leaders that to bring charges against a priest or bishop is especially odious and is tantamount to an attack against the Church itself.
In sum: it is therefore clear that there is a relationship of the highest degree of trust and confidence between the lay Catholic population and church leaders. This is analogous to what is known as a "fiduciary relationship" in civil law. With regard to the Bishop of Dallas, the Bishops of the Military Vicariate, the NCCB/USCC, and the priests involved, this means that the lay Catholic community looked to and expected these entities and individuals to conduct themselves with the highest degree of trust and confidence, in particular with regard to the protection of children.
V. HOW THE CHURCH HANDLES COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERICS
1. The sexual abuse of adults, adolescents and children by the Catholic clergy is not an issue that only began to happen in 1984. It has always been a serious problem for the Church. This is evidenced by the fact that there is on record Church legislation going back to the fourth century concerning priests who sexually abuse people but especially children. This legislation was first codified in 1917 and revised in 1983. The difference between the period after 1984 and the period before that date is twofold:
a. the way that Church officials responded to allegations of sex abuse by priests and other clerics and,
b. the extent of public knowledge of sexual abuse by priests and the acceptance of such abuse as fact by the Catholic laity and general public. [25]
2. Traditionally reports of the sexual abuse of children by priests were handled in a secretive, private way. The Church officials have always realized that public knowledge of such abuse would severely harm the Church s credibility, the image of the priesthood and in general result in serious scandal.
3. It is also important to note that traditional Church teaching had always held that a priest enjoyed an exalted position. (See above section) To speak ill of a priest or to accuse him of something as heinous as sexual abuse was and still is considered by many to be sinful. Catholics were brought up with the notion that a priest represented Christ. Among devout Catholics it was simply unbelievable that a priest would sexually abuse a child.
This attitude and the respect and fear engendered among the devout laity was used by Church officials in its attempts to dissuade people from pressing complaints against offending priests. It is well documented that many adults, once abused as children, hesitated to report the sexual abuse because they feared they would never be believed or worse, would receive punishment at the hands of their parents.
4. It is ironic that Church officials had and have the belief that child abuse by clerics is so offensive that it should be kept secret at all costs and at the same time have claimed that they never realized how destructive a problem it is, hence excusing the lack of adequate action in the face of allegations. Sexual abuse of children is a felony that is abhorred by society. It is understandable that no organization would want to let it be known that its own officials are guilty of such abuse, yet the harm done by the abuse far outweighs the bad image of the institution.
5. In the past priests confronted with accusations of sexual abuse were admonished by their superiors. Often the shame of the event would prompt promises that it would never happen again. In short, the Church often appealed to a kind of "spiritual" approach to remedy the problem. Priests were reminded of their vows, of the potential for scandal and harm to the Church etc. It has been thought by some that sexual abuse is primarily a moral problem which some form of spiritual conversion could take care of. Confession has been mentioned in some documents as the way the problem was handled. Confession may absolve the moral guilt but it does not cure the sexual disorder. In some instances, priests were sent for some form of psychiatric or other medical treatment after they had acted out more than once.
6. The Church has traditionally held a certain degree of mistrust for the psychiatric profession. The belief that all sexual problems were a matter of the will was prominent for decades and is still present in some circles. The assistance of the medical profession in dealing with sexual abuse problems has often been [26] reluctant and a last resort after it had become apparent that other methods of control, i.e., appeals to obedience, obligations etc. had failed.
7. Often they were quietly transferred from one parish to another in an effort to give the accused a new start and avoid the possibility of added problems and exposure in the parish wherein the abuse had taken place. In my experience over the past ten years I have seen documented evidence that in numerous dioceses in this country, priests reported for sexual misconduct with children were transferred not only once but often several times. In some cases bishops sent priests away to study, sent them on retreats, sent them to psychiatrists or sent them to special rehabilitation centers. In other documented instances priests would be deemed by the bishops as unsuitable for ministry in the home diocese yet recommended for ministry in another diocese. In short, there is sufficient evidence of rampant recidivism to presume that Church leaders knew or should have known that transfers do not solve the problem.
8. In numerous dioceses across the United States from the 1970s through the early '90s abundant evidence demonstrates that complaints of child abuse were handled in such a unified fashion as to indicate a meeting of the minds as to how best to prevent public knowledge of the abuse, avoid criminal prosecution and to suppress potential claims. There is evidence that the bishops cooperated between themselves regarding placement of problem priests when incidents of sexual abuse erupted within their dioceses. There is also evidence of a common plan in which the families of victims were mislead as to the facts in order to suppress potential claims. Cases across the United States, regardless of the dioceses involveded, were handled in this common fashion which provides strong evidence of concerted action among the bishops of the United States to prevent public exposure of this problem and victim claims. This concerted action continued even after medical evidence made clear the extensive harm to victims, their families and to society resulting from child sexual abuse. In the cases involved in this report, there is evidence that the Diocese of Dallas acted in accordance with this common plan and scheme with regard to Fr. Kos, Fr. Peebles, and Fr. Hughes. There is also evidence that the Military Vicariate participated in this common plan and scheme through a pattern and practice of endorsing problem priests to the Department of Defense as military chaplains. How was such a commonly practiced plan of action arrived at? The bishops activities in and through the NCCB/USCC would provide an informal forum for this common plan.
9. Evidence from cases across the country indicates there has been a conscious and organized cover-up of this problem. There seems to be little doubt that on a diocese by diocese basis, uniform strategies were utilized to make sure that sexual abuse cases never became public. Transfer of priests with little or no public explanation, reassignment of priests with sexual problems with no advance warning to parishes, assertions that internal investigation had found [27] no evidence of wrong-doing and public denials of problems are all factors that have been part of the problem over the past several years. There is little evidence that I know of that Church officials followed .State reporting statutes and reported incidents of child abuse to civil authorities.
10. With the media exposure of the Gilbert Gauthe case (Lafayette LA) in 1984-1985 all of this changed. What changed was not the bishops knowledge of the problem of sexual abuse but the widespread public awareness of this problem as well as the widespread acceptance of the problem to be true and not simply secular press "Catholic bashing." I believe this change occurred because, for the first time, credible evidence emerged in the Gauthe case that the Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette had known of Fr. Gauthe s activities for years and had done nothing to protect children. Information concerning other priest perpetrators, whose activities were known, also emerged. This distinguished the Gauthe case from prior cases. Child victims were believed where before they were not. Many adults came forward alleging that they had been abused in their youth by priests and religious brothers. Cases of sexual abuse popped up all over the United States which provided further evidence of prior knowledge by bishops in dioceses across the United States. The media exposure and the threat of lawsuits forced Church officials to publicly address this issue.
11. Whether or not there has been a conscious and organized cover-up of this problem is a question worthy of discussion and further research. -There seems to be little doubt that on a diocese by diocese basis, regular strategies were utilized to make sure that sexual abuse cases never became public.
1 2. One aspect concerning Church documentation is worthy of mention here. That is the language found in documents. Language referring to sexual problems of priests is generally guarded to be almost Code-like. Sexual problems may be cryptically referred to as "moral problems" or simply as "problems." Pedophilia has been commonly referred to by some as "homosexuality." Two Latin phrases that often crop up are offenses or problems "de sexto" meaning problems with the Sixth commandment ("Thou shall not commit adultery", a catch-all phrase for any kind of sexual problem or crime) and actions "in re turpi". The latter refers to particularly offensive, including unnatural, acts.
13. The pattern described above holds true in dioceses led by past and present elected officials of the NCCB. For example, there is evidence that Cardinal Bernardin, when he was archbishop of Cincinnati, failed to act on reports in 1977 regarding George Cooley and that Archbishop Roach in St. Paul failed to act on reports involving Fr. Adamson, to cite only a few examples.
14. Regarding the Dallas diocese in particular, and the method with which it has handled accusations of clergy sexual abuse, it is known from the [28] documentation that at least by September, 1966, the diocese had knowledge of the suspected abuse of a student from St. Pius X church by Fr. "E". Furthermore, recent news reports refer to alleged abuse by another area priest, Fr. Hoover, dating back to 1957. Documents submitted in-camera may further substantiate abuse known to the Diocese in the 70s and 80s involving a total of eight or nine priests, including the three priests involved in these cases. The Diocese s response to this notice was in accordance with the pattern and practice in dioceses across the United States.
15. Many of the recent civil litigations concerning clerical sexual abuse have shown that the bishops in numerous dioceses throughout the country were put on notice as far back as the early sixties and in some cases before that, about sexual abuse of young people by priests. The Paraclete Fathers have indicated that by 1976 they had begun to treat a large number of priests for sexual problems, the first institution, religiously affiliated or secular, to do so in an organized fashion. All of this amounts to sufficient information and notice for the body of bishops to have begun to take decisive steps to deal with this problem. It also discounts any claims that there was no corporate awareness of the existence of a problem prior to the mid eighties
VI. THE DIOCESE AND THE NATIONAL BISHOPS CONFERENCE (NCCB)
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) is an organization made up of all of the bishops in the United States. Similar bishops conferences exist in all countries of the world.
1. The American episcopal conference has its remote beginnings in 1919 when the American bishops first met in Washington to create an organization with the goal of achieving an effective Catholic voice in national affairs. The National Catholic Welfare Council, as it was to become known, existed until the formation of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1966. It was a non-legislative organ that was primarily concerned with relationships between the Catholic Church and the civil society as well as certain challenges to Catholic teaching such as birth control, racism etc. The NCWC issued statements and pastoral letters but did not enact any legislation. At the time of its existence until Vatican II, the NCWC was part of a highly centralized universal Church. Decisions and legislation came from Rome with only some consultation made on the part of national hierarchies.
2. The idea of a national conference of bishops was first mentioned in the Vatican II decree on the liturgy in 1965 which called for the establishment of various kinds of territorial bodies of bishops. When it was established as an official conference of bishops, the NCCB differed from the NCWC and other prior group in that it was officially recognized in Canon Law and given certain [29] legislative powers. When the new Code was promulgated in 1983, there was a section contained therein containing the fundamental canons or laws governing national/territorial episcopal conferences.
3. THE PURPOSE OF THE NCCB/USCC
a. The Code of Canon Law gives the general purpose of an episcopal conference. It further states that each conference is to draw up its own statutes which are to be reviewed by the Holy See. The Holy See itself officially erects or creates the entity known as the episcopal conference and gives it official, canonical identity (Canon 449). Once erected, an episcopal conference enjoys a juridic personality.
Why do conferences exist:
The conference of bishops, a permanent institution, is a grouping of bishops... whereby, according to the norm of law, they jointly exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of their territory in view of promoting that greater good which the Church offers mankind, especially through forms and programs of the apostolate which are fittingly adapted to the circumstances of the time and place. (c. 447)
b. In order to accomplish this goal, conferences
are to hold plenary meetings and may issue statements, letters, provide information
to individual bishops.
Episcopal conferences also have legislative authority. Canon 455 states that
a conference has the power to issue general decrees (laws) in two cases:
1. when the general law (The Code), prescribes
it or when the Holy See allows all conferences or particular conferences to
issue decrees
2. when the Holy See allows a conference to issue a decree upon the request
of the conference or by order of the Holy See.
General decrees must be passed by a 2/3 majority in a plenary session. The cases prescribed by the general law consist of certain canons of the Code which state that the application of the law is left to the episcopal conference. Properly speaking these are called "executory decrees" which means that they are precise determinations on how to observe laws.
c. The Code of Canon Law of 1983 contained at least 29 cases in which the episcopal conference was authorized to issue executorial decrees on the specific application of a law. In addition to these 29, there were 53 [30] other instances in which the conference was given power to issue decrees which further specified certain laws. Some of these related to liturgical issues, preaching, Church property, reception of the sacraments and procedural laws. Some examples are as follows:
1. setting up a program of priestly formation with
the approval of the Holy See (Canon 242)
2. specifying clerical garb for an area (Canon 284)
3. cooperating in drafting lists of potential candidates for bishop (Canon 377)
d. The episcopal conference can also enact decrees or laws for its own territory in addition to the executorial decrees allowed by the Code. To do so they must first receive a mandate or the permission from the Holy See. It is also feasible and possible for the Holy See to instruct the conference to enact legislation for a specific need. When the conference seeks permission to enact a decree, the process usually begins with a proposal for a bishop or group of bishops. The proposal is then studied by various committees and finally placed before the body of bishops in plenary session. If they vote favorably the issue is sent to the Holy See for its approval or disapproval. If it approves, the conference then moves to enact the decree which requires a 2/3 majority vote at a plenary session. The method of promulgating and applying the decree is left to the conference.
The NCCBIUSCC has its own mission statement which is part of its handbook. This statement was adopted at the 1981 general meeting:
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops and the United States Catholic Conference are a permanent institute composed of the Catholic bishops of the United States of America in and through which the bishops exercise in a communal or collegial manner the pastoral mission entrusted to them by the Lord Jesus of sanctification, teaching and leadership, especially by devising forms and methods of apostolate suitably adapted to the circumstances and the times. Such exercise is intended to offer appropriate assistance to each bishop in fulfilling his particular ministry in the local Church, to effect a commonality of ministry addressed to the people of the United States of America and foster and express communion with the Church in other nations within the Church universal, under the leadership of its chief pastor, the Pope. The National Conference of Catholic bishops deals principally with matters connected with the internal life of the Church. The United States Catholic Conference deals principally with affairs involving the genera/public, including social concerns, education and communications, on the national level and in support of efforts at the regional and [31] diocesan levels. (National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference Handbook, February 1989, p.1)
4. WHAT THE NCCB/USCC IS NOT
Although the NCCB/USCC is not the executive headquarters for the Catholic Church in the United States, its history since the Vatican Council indicates that in many ways it does exercise authority, direction and influence. The conference can accomplish legislatively what the individual bishop cannot accomplish, e.g., enacting legislation that will bind the entire country with the approval of the Holy See.
5. THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NCCBIUSCC
a. The NCCB has its offices in Washington DC. The principal officers are all diocesan bishops and do not have offices there. In practice, the day to day affairs of the conference are directed by the general secretariat. This department oversees the plans for the general meetings and supervises the activities of the various committees and offices of the NCCB/USCC. The general secretary is an elected official with a full-time position. The other resident department is the office of the general counsel.
b. The work of the conference is carried on by 44 committees, all of which are made up of bishops. Some of these are standing committees and some are ad hoc committees. These committees meet periodically to discuss business, prepare reports and statements etc. Most of the committees have a staff 'officer who holds a full time position at the national headquarters and has a staff under him.
c. The standing committees of the NCCB deal primarily with internal Church matters. The names of some of the committees indicate this: budget and finance, personnel, Catholic missions, Black Catholics, Boundaries of dioceses, canonical affairs, Church in Latin America, Doctrine, Hispanic affairs, laity, liturgy, pastoral research and practices, priestly formation, priestly life and ministry, selection of bishops.
d. The ad hoc committees are established to meet temporary needs and problems but are not permanent committees.
The conference, through the USCC, conducts lobbying
activities with the
U.S. government. In such activities as well as in other pronouncements
the NCCB/USCC frequently states that it speaks on behalf of the lay
Catholics of the United States, including the children. [32]
6. PRONOUNCEMENTS OF THE NCCB/USCC
a. The USCC has its own publications office which publishes various documents of the conference and related documents. It also has its own period publication, Origins which contains various statements of bishops, conference committees etc.
b. The NCCB regularly issues statements and pastoral
letters on a variety of topics. These statements and letters are proposed by
a bishop, researched and prepared in committees and voted on by the general
membership. The statements are non-legislative and non-judicial in nature. They
are not binding on the bishops, however as the handbook states: "Decisions
of the conference are normally devoid of juridical binding force. Nonetheless,
when passed by a majority of the members who have deliberative vote in the conference,
they should, as a rule, be observed by all members as an expression of collegial
responsibility and in a spirit of unity and charity with their brother bishops."
(Statutes, art.
XII)
c. Since its existence in 1966, the conference has issued over 100 major statements on a variety of issues, some of which have been purely ecclesiastical in nature, others relating to moral matters and others political in nature. In addition to its public statements, which are made in the name of the bishops of the United States; the conference, usually through its president, regularly issues statements or sends letters which are made public and which indicate something of the conference views on this or that matter. Of special significance are the national Pastoral Plans issued by the NCCBIUSCC which contain instructions for activities in the various dioceses throughout the United States. This includes the Respect Life Program established in 1 972, the Plan of Pastoral Action for Family Ministry established in 1978, the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry established in 1987, and the National Black Catholic Pastoral Plan established in 1978. These Pastoral Plans contain outlines of specific actions on the national, diocese, and parish levels. These Plans appear to be an effective way of directing Church activities in the subject areas of the Pastoral Plans.
d. The conference, primarily through its staff offices and various committees, also can and does issue various materials as aids or clarifications for bishops and dioceses throughout the country. This material does not have the force of law or doctrine but exists as opinion or information. [33]
7. FUNDING
a. The NCCBIUSCC is funded by the American bishops. It does not receive funds from the Holy See. Article XIV of the bylaws of the USCC refers to financial matters: "In the determination of diocesan quotas or of special assessments in individual dioceses, or special collections not prescribed by the Holy See, all diocesan bishops and equivalent to them in law and only they shall have a deliberative vote."
b. The conference in general is funded by monies collected from the various U.S. dioceses. Each diocese is assessed a kind of tax, based on the number of Catholics in the diocese and other factors. Staff offices and the general offices are funded through the conference.
c. The NCCB/USCC also takes up special collections throughout the dioceses. These are collections taken up in each parish on certain Sundays of the year. The proceeds are sent to the conference. Some of these include the annual collection for communications, the Campaign for Human development
8. RELATIONS WITH INDIVIDUAL DIOCESES AND BISHOPS
a. The NCCB/USCC remains a powerful organization with the resources and the moral authority to have a profound impact on the activities of each bishop and on matters in each individual diocese.
b. In practice the conference leadership has become involved in various controversies which have occurred in the American Church. This involvement might not have engendered an official statement, but nevertheless there was some involvement, at least on an ad hoc basis. Some examples of such issues have been the controversy surrounding the New York Times advertisement in 1984 favoring the right to choice in abortion and signed by over 100 Catholic priests and religious. The Holy See moved in immediately and the matter was mediated in a sense by conference leadership. The conference leadership also became involved with the Apostolic visitation of the Archbishop of Seattle in the 1980's, with the controversy surrounding former Sister Agnes Mansour (Michigan).
c. The officers of the conference (president, vice-president, general secretary, secretary, treasurer) have consultative input into the candidates for bishop which are proposed by the Papal Pro-nuncio for various dioceses. When a list of candidates is prepared by the Pro-nuncio to be submitted to Rome for appointment by the Holy See, it is sent to these officers for their individual opinions. [34]
d. The NCCB-USCC and its officers do not constitute the body to whom an individual bishop owes accountability in the sense that the bishop can be removed or transferred only by the Holy See. Nevertheless the conference can exercise considerable influence over an individual bishop and over the Holy See as well if an individual bishop s actions are called into question. On the other hand, the NCCB-USCC is accountable to the Holy See for its very existence and to the American bishops for its support and on-going credibility. Given its mission statement and the purpose of its existence, certain things are expected of it by individual bishops, including various kinds of assistance and advice in matters of importance. The conference in fact has assumed a moral leadership role in various issues relating to the Catholic Church in the U.S. The many statements related to secular political activities points to this as well as the statements concerning certain internal controversies. In short, the NCCB exercises a strong moral or persuasive authority and has the capability of accumulating and disseminating vast amounts of information to bishops as well as the ability of providing various kinds of assistance to bishops.
9. RELATIONS WITH THE LAY CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
Since its inception in 1968, the NCCB/USCC have communicated with the lay Catholic community throughout the United States. Through its Publications and Media Relations Office, the NCCB/USCC has consistently provided what could be called warnings and instructions to the lay Catholic community on a variety of issues. Through its coordination and communication of the public policy of the Catholic bishops in the United States, the NCCB/USCC also has undeniable access to non-Catholic visual and written media.
VII. THE NCCB AND THE PROBLEM OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY PRIESTS
1. The problem of sexual abuse of minors by priests received widespread publicity in 1984 and thereafter, due to the case of a priest in Lafayette LA. The NCCB/USCC claims that it had no knowledge of the problem of such sexual molestation by priests prior to 1982.
2. In 1985 the NCCB was urged to initiate some form of action in the form of research into all aspects of the sexual abuse problem as well as the creation of a crisis intervention team. A document privately prepared by myself, F. Ray Mouton and Fr. Michael Peterson was offered to the NCCB in May, 1985. Several bishops who were attending the June 1985 meeting were given copies in hopes that the document would prompt some form of organized action on the part of the NCCB. Nothing happened. [35]
3. Since 1985 the issue has been discussed in executive sessions and administrative board meetings of the NCCB several times. The conference has issued private memos to bishops and their legal counsels and in 1993 established an ad hoc committee to study the problem. This committee has produced a handbook of topics related top the issue of sexual abuse by the clergy. The handbook contains much of what was in the above-mentioned 1985 report.
4. This returns us to the competence of the NCCB in matters of interest to the individual dioceses. There are two distinct action levels, both of which have already been alluded to or mentioned in this report:
a. the legislative level: the NCCB can enact legislation for the dioceses as provided for in the Code and if not so provided, by a majority (2/3) vote of the members and the approval of the Holy See.
b. the consultative or advisory level: the NCCB can enact advisory guidelines and policy directives which, though not canonically binding, can be utilized or implemented by the dioceses. It has done this in numerous areas of concern to the American church and to the dioceses. There is nothing that would have prevented the NCCB from taking such action, mandating research, strongly suggesting policy and programs etc. concerning the sexual abuse of minors by clerics long before the first reported directive went out from the General Counsel s office in 1988. (Note: On February 28, 1992 a memorandum went out to all bishops from the USCC Office of Media Relations describing a "national policy" established by the bishops in 1988 and 1989.)
5. There was sufficient information available to the NCCB by the 1970s to have justified the issuance of warnings and instructions to the lay Catholic community concerning the risk to children of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clerics. This included undeniable medical documentation of the long-term harm to victims from such abuse. There is no evidence that the NCCB/USCC issued any such warnings and instructions to the lay Catholic community. No such warnings and instructions have ever been issued.
6. There was sufficient information available to the NCCB by the 1970s to have justified modifications to the Program for Priestly Formation to assist in screening candidates for the priesthood in order to identify those prone to sexually act out with children. While bishops are arguably free to ordain any candidate for the priesthood they choose (provided those candidates meet the standards set forth by Canon law) the duty exists under civil law to protect children from known danger. This was not done. [36]
VIII. RECURRING ISSUES AND QUESTIONS
In dioceses throughout the country, when cases of sexual abuse by priests have surfaced, recurring problems have occurred:
1. lnadequate investigation. In virtually all cases, rumors and/or complaints and other forms of notice of misconduct were received by Church officials but no investigation was conducted. This is clear from the records involving Fr. Peebles and Fr. Kos in this case. Regarding Fr. Hughes, there were numerous red flags involving his close relationship with Jane Doe, a young girl who was 12 and 13 years old at the time, that if properly investigated could have prevented the abuse. This is part of a common pattern of not investigating allegations or red flags indicating potential abuse.
2. lnadequate supervision. Priests accused of sexual molestation are often found to have had suspicions raised against them early in their careers and, in some cases, prior to entering the seminary, or even in the seminary. After receiving reports of sexually acting out, or rumors of such, in many cases there have been no investigation or supervision and priests have simply been transferred from one parish to another. In other cases, red flags indicating a potential for misconduct were ignored. There is evidence of inadequate supervision with regard to Fr. Robert Peebles, Fr. Rudy Kos, and Fr. William Hughes.
3. Reporting to civil authorities. It is rare that allegations of sexual abuse of minors are reported to civil authorities. There is evidence of failure to report in the cases involving Peebles, Kos, and Hughes.
4. lnadequate treatment of victims. Often, victims complaints have not been properly investigated, victims have been coerced into not making complaints, have been given false or misleading information, or have been urged to remain silent. In many instances, known victims received no pastoral attention from the Church, nor did Church officials take care to make sure victims received proper counseling. These actions continued even after medical evidence conclusively established the harm to victims of child sexual abuse. There is evidence of inadequate treatment of victims in the cases of Peebles, Kos, and Hughes. In addition, funds for counseling were not provided until the fall of 1995 (with the exception of payment for a few sessions for Jane Doe in 1991). [37]
X. SEXUAL ABUSE BY CLERICS: HISTORICAL AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM
1. Catholic church authorities have frequently alleged that the problem of sexual abuse of young boys and girls by the clergy is a new problem, so new that they (the authorities) are only now beginning to realize how serious it is and only now beginning to figure out how to deal with it.
2. Sexual abuse of minors and other sexual misconduct by Catholic clerics is not a new problem. Evidence for this is found in historical sources. The church has not published historical studies on the problem of sexual abuse of minors by the clergy for obvious reasons. It is a crime that has been considered extremely odious by societies throughout the ages. Because of its odious nature and the negative impact that admission of its existence would have on the church s reputation, instances of sexual abuse of minors by the clergy are generally hidden. Nevertheless, the historical sources reveal a constant concern throughout the ages of Christian history.
4. The Christian Penitential Books of the 6th to 11th centuries contain occasional mention of punishments inflicted on clerics for homosexual crimes. The gravity of the punishments, which escalated with the rank of the cleric (less for minor clerics, more for priests and bishops) indicate that the crime itself was deemed particularly hideous by the church at the time.
5. Gratian the monk composed the most important single historical source for western Canon law, the Decretum, published in 1140. It is a systematic compilation of Canon law sources including the writings of the early church fathers, scripture, regulations, norms, canons from previous church councils, synods and popes. It also contains numerous references to the civil legislation of the Christian Roman emperors. In one section Gratian tends to side with the Roman law which inflicted the punishment of death on men who had sex with boys. In another he advocates the imposition of excommunication upon clerics who so sinned. Gratian referred to the evil of stuprum pueri or the impurities with boys, in several canons, including several which reference clerics.
6. One of the most important single works is the Book of Gomorrah of St. Peter Damien. Written in the mid 9th century (possibly in 1048), this book is a carefully planned discussion of the problem of homosexuality among the clergy. The story of Peter Damien s exposition, the limp response of the pope at the time and the subsequent attempts at minimalizing Damien s writings is a stark reminder that history repeats itself.
7. Sexual abuse of a minor is a specific crime mentioned in the 1917 Code of Canon Lawand again in the revised Code of Canon Law of 1983.. It has been mentioned over the centuries in the law of the church for a reason: it exists, is [38] a serious problem and has been acknowledged by church to be such. It is not something new that only cropped up with the initial publicity of the 1984-85 situation in Lafayette LA, and the national publicity which followed the Porter case in 1 992. Because of the nature of sexual abuse of minors, the institutional church has attempted to keep the matter under wraps. It has consistently failed to provide adequate pastoral care and concern for the victims of such abuse and it has consistently failed to take responsible steps in dealing with individual priest-abusers.
8. The history of this problem would strongly suggest that the primary value for the institutional church has been its public image, its public security and the avoidance of any public knowledge of the extent of the problem
X. THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY PRIESTS
1. A recurring question: how could the victims and their families have allowed such abuse to both begin and continue? This question is asked with regard to the plaintiffs in these cases and in nearly all cases. The answer lies in the concept of "religious duress." In the cases at hand, the victims all came from devout Catholic families.. .families who were close to the church in that they were practicing Catholics and involved in the day to day life of their church through involvement in their parishes. These families believed that the priest held an exalted position in their lives. They had been taught that the priest occupied a position between them and salvation, between them and the spiritual security offered by the church to those who remain loyal and obedient to its way of life. Such people are taught not to question the wisdom and decisions of a priest, not to question his lifestyle and to presume only the purest motives of his actions. In many cases, such Catholics also believed it a serious sin to question the authority of a priest or to speak ill or gossip about a priest.
2. It was a common hope of devout and dedicated Catholics families that one or more of their children enter religious life and/or the priesthood. For this reason the attentions of a priest toward a child were often believed to be honest and pure and that such attentions might lead to the great honor for the child himself or herself choosing to follow a religious vocation. For this reason, among others, parents often allowed their children to be alone with priests, to accompany them on trips, to stay with them in their quarters. The bottom line is that parents had been taught to place unquestioning trust in their priests. The idea of a priest sexually abusing or otherwise harming a child would have been, and in the cases of these families herein concerned, was, totally alien.
3. The victims themselves (these cases included) were bound by the power of the priest. It was beyond the imagination of a young boy or girl that a priest, who [39] was a friend, confidant, mentor and spiritual father, would do or attempt something evil or wrong. On the one hand the church taught the virtues of purity and surrounded expressions of sexuality with sin.. Young boys and girls at the beginnings of puberty received these messages from their church through the priests and often reacted to their awakening sexuality with fear, shame, wonder and often guilt. To many, when a priest made advances, these were often totally disbelieved by the victim. Once the situation developed, many priest perpetrators continued to use their power by gradually inducing into the victims the belief that no one would believe them if they disclosed what was happening. In fact, prior to the widespread media attention to such abuse in the eighties, rarely would parents, church authorities or others believe a young person who mentioned the fact that a priest was doing strange things to them. The victims, in a very real sense, were caught between a "rock and a hard place."
4. The result of sexual abuse by members of the clergy has had a variety of effects on the victims. The psychological and emotional impact is the subject for medical experts. There is also however, a severe spiritual impact. The event or events of abuse have caused numerous victims to not only abandon the institutional church but to look upon it with disdain, fear and even hatred. Many are or were unable to make an emotional and intellectual distinction between the priest, the institutional authorities, and the church itself. The persons of the priests, bishops etc. were the church. The church was the source of spiritual security. Faith in God was intimately bound up with faith in and loyalty to the church. It was the church, through the priests, who forgave sins. Now it was the forgiver who was causing the sins. Many victims felt and feel that they have been robbed of their faith and of their spiritual security. They cannot go to the church for relief because the focal point of their trust, the priest, has betrayed them. He has led them into what was and often is still perceived to be the worst kind of sins, sins of the flesh.
5. The spiritual impact of sexual abuse is profound. In all possibility this impact is related to the psychological and emotional impact and to the patterns of self destructive behavior often found in many victims of clergy sexual abuse.
6. The concept of religious duress is also directly related to the manipulation of the victims and their families. This manipulation occurs at the hands of church officials whose ultimate aim is to convince them not to press charges, not to go public etc., in order to avoid causing scandal or harm to the church. The same dynamic which was active in the seduction is also active in trying to downplay the events. This manipulation almost always includes the victims and their families but can and does extend to law enforcement officials and others whose intervention could either cause problems for the institution or not. Such manipulation was especially evident in the case of the victims of Robert Peebles, William Hughes and Rudy Kos. [40]
7. The relationship between lay Catholics and Catholic children and the priest, bishop and institutional church is one of great depth and totality. This relationship is taught and nurtured by the official church through its teaching and preaching. It is best expressed in civil law categories by the legal doctrine of "fiduciary relationship." This means that given the nature of the relationship between the priest, bishop and the lay Catholic child (or adult), a high degree of trust and confidence is reposed in the individual priest or bishop. Thus religious duress (or, in less dramatic terms, "religious formation") is expressed in the neutral civil law concept of a special or fiduciary relationship. This concept, the duties entailed therein and the expectation of it would extend to all persons and entities representing the Catholic Church to the victims: the NCCB/USCC, the Dallas Diocese, the Military Vicariate/AMS and the various priests involved in these cases.