Diocese of
Lexington, Kentucky
The Diocese of Lexington (“the Diocese”), which was established in 1988, encompasses 50 Kentucky counties, consists of 66 parishes and 18 schools, 52 diocesan priests and 37 deacons and serves a population of 46,282 registered Catholics. The Most Reverend Ronald V. Gainer, who was installed as bishop in 2003, leads the Diocese. A compliance audit of the Diocese was conducted during the period August 10-15, 2003.

The information set forth below represents conditions as they were found to exist during the week of the audit. Information regarding necessary corrective actions taken by the Diocese subsequent to the audit will be found in the last paragraph.

Findings

To Promote Healing and Reconciliation
The Diocese has established an outreach program. The Diocese was commended for entering into an arrangement with the University of Kentucky, whereby the university assists in conducting “peer reviews” of therapists administering care to victims/survivors of sexual abuse. The bishop has offered to meet with victims/survivors of sexual abuse in the Diocese. The victim assistance coordinator is Sr. Frances Moore, who has experience in social services and advanced degrees in psychology and pastoral counseling. The diocesan review board was established in 2002 and consists of nine members, including one priest and eight respected members of the lay community. A Recommendation was made for the bishop to appoint a chairperson for the board and to establish a written protocol that can guide and assist members in carrying out their duties. The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in printed form. There have been no confidentiality agreements entered into by the Diocese since June 2002.

To Guarantee Effective Response to Allegations of Abuse of a Minor
The Diocese has established effective liaison with local civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. It was recommended that the Diocese advise civil authorities of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor that have been lodged against a former bishop and a priest. It was recommended that Bishop Gainer make a determination as to whether this priest should be removed from ministry. The Diocese has a procedure in place to advise victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil authorities. The Diocese has established a clear and well-publicized code of conduct for priests and deacons. The Diocese does not have a written communications policy, but its practices and initiatives reflect the bishop’s commitment to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual abuse of children.

To Ensure Accountability of Procedures
The Diocese has participated in the research study regarding the “nature and scope” of the problem of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.

To Protect the Faithful in the Future
The Diocese has selected and implemented the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children safe environment program for adults and children. The Diocese has publicized standards of conduct for priests and deacons, as well as diocesan employees, volunteers, and any other personnel in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people. The Diocese conducts background investigations for all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors. The Diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse lodged against him to another diocese for a ministerial assignment, or for purposes of residency. The bishop, or his delegate, has communicated with leaders of religious orders regarding issues of allegations of sexual abuse made against a cleric member of a religious institute. The Diocese has cooperated with other churches, religious bodies, and institutions of learning in conducting research in the area of sexual abuse of minors. The Diocese has established screening and evaluative techniques in the selection of candidates for ordination and has a program for the ongoing formation of priests.

Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter

At the conclusion of this audit, the Diocese of Lexington was issued three Recommendations and one Commendation.

RECOMMENDATION 1—That a chairperson be appointed for the review board, and that procedures be established and documented for the purpose of guiding and assisting the board in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.

RECOMMENDATION 2—That the Diocese inform civil authorities of an allegation of sexual abuse said to have occurred in the early 1980s and that the bishop determine whether the accused priest should be permanently removed from ministry.

RECOMMENDATION 3—That the Diocese advise civil authorities in Louisville, Kentucky, of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor lodged against a former bishop.

COMMENDATION—For the establishment of a clinical service agreement with the University of Kentucky, under which the university assists in providing “peer reviews” of therapists administering care to individuals who have been victims/survivors of sexual abuse.

As of December 1, 2003, none of the Recommendations had been fully addressed, although the Diocese is addressing and making progress in each area. The Diocese of Lexington is compliant with the Charter, as measured by the process described in Chapter 2, with the exception of full implementation of Articles 2, 4, and 5.


The compliance audit measured activity that has occurred since the adoption of the Charter in June 2002 with the exception of certain mandated actions found in Articles 5 and 14. Actions taken by the diocese/eparchy prior to June 2002 to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests and deacons are not included in this summary report.




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Office of Child and Youth Protection
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194
(202) 541-5413 | FAX: (202) 541-5410
Email: ocyp@usccb.org