Diocese of
San Angelo, Texas
The Diocese of San Angelo (“the Diocese”), which was established in 1961, encompasses 29 counties of west and central Texas. It consists of 49 parishes and 24 missions, 37 diocesan priests, 36 deacons, and three schools, and it serves a population of 89,372 registered Catholics. The Most Reverend Michael David Pfeifer was installed as bishop on May 31, 1985. A compliance audit of the Diocese was conducted during the period of September 22-26, 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 a formalized and implemented policy entitled Policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry, which was revised in June 2003. The policy is printed in English and Spanish and is published on the diocesan website. The procedures for reporting an allegation of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy are set forth therein, and a notice concerning the same topic was published in the diocesan newspaper. The Diocese was commended for creating and implementing this policy. In July 2003, Michael Wyse was appointed as the new victim assistance coordinator, replacing the current director of communications, who had held that position on a temporary basis. Wyse is retired from the U.S. Army and possesses master’s degrees in management and theology. The review board, consisting of seven members, including a Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, two physicians, an attorney, a social worker, an employee of United Way, and the diocesan chancellor, were appointed in June 2002. Procedures for making a complaint of sexual abuse have been made available throughout the Diocese. The bishop has met with victims/survivors and has a standing offer to do so in the future. 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 a policy in place requiring that allegations of sexual abuse be reported to civil authorities when the victim is a minor. This policy also pledges full cooperation with authorities. It was recommended the Diocese establish a policy with civil authorities about reporting allegations when the person is no longer a minor that is consistent with the interests of both parties. The Diocese has a procedure in place to advise victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a cleric to civil authorities. The Diocese has established a clear and well-publicized code of conduct for priests and deacons, as well as diocesan employees, volunteers, and others working with youth. The bishop has a standing policy committed to openness and transparency regarding issues involving the sexual abuse of children that includes press conferences and the use of the diocesan newspaper to address such issues.

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 a safe environment program using a video on Understanding the Sexual Boundaries of the Pastoral Relationship, which is shown to clergy, employees, volunteers, and others who have frequent contact with minors. Training workshops are also conducted for parents, children and young people. The Diocese has contracted with a private firm to conduct background checks on personnel, and all checks are current. Candidates for ordination are screened and evaluated for fitness by the diocesan vocation director and the Commission on Orders and Ministries. No priest or deacon who has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor has been transferred to another diocese for purposes of residence. The bishop has developed good liaison with the major superiors to coordinate their roles pertaining to issues surrounding allegations of sexual abuse made against a cleric member of a religious institute. Forums regarding the issue of child abuse have been arranged with mayors, judges, law enforcement, education, and social services representatives. The Diocese has a systematic, ongoing formation program in keeping with the Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests (2001).¹

Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter

At the conclusion of this audit, the Diocese of San Angelo was issued one Recommendation and one Commendation.

RECOMMENDATION—That the Diocese develop a policy for reporting and cooperating with civil authorities that is consistent with the interests of both parties.

COMMENDATION—For the foresight, resourcefulness, and expertise demonstrated in creating and implementing the current written policy regarding the abuse of minors.

As of December 1, 2003, this Recommendation had been addressed. The Diocese of San Angelo is found to be compliant with the provisions of the Charter as measured by the process described in Chapter 2 in Section I.

Note

1. USCCB, Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests (Washington, DC: USCCB, 2001).

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