Diocese of
Syracuse, New York
The Diocese of Syracuse (“the Diocese”), which was established on November 26, 1886, encompasses seven counties in central New York. It consists of 169 parishes and 15 missions, 271 diocesan priests, 77 deacons, one college/university, and 34 schools, and it serves a population of 345,736 registered Catholics. The Most Reverend James M. Moynihan was named Bishop of Syracuse on April 4, 1995. A compliance audit of the Diocese was conducted during the period of October 6–10, 2003.

The information contained herein represents conditions as they were found to exist during the week of the audit. Information regarding the recommended corrective action taken subsequent to the audit will be found in the last paragraph.

Findings

To Promote Healing and Reconciliation
The Diocese has had an outreach program in effect since 1988, which has been revised several times, the latest being on October 10, 2003. The bishop, or his designee, has met with several victims/survivors of abuse in the Diocese who have reported the abuse since June 2002. The victim assistance coordinator is Teresa Secreti, who has more than 25 years of experience in the field of child abuse. The diocesan review board was established in September 2002 and consists of seven well-qualified individuals. The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are readily available in printed form and appear on the diocesan website. It was recommended that the Diocese prepare a checklist detailing a victim’s rights and what assistance is to be offered when a complaint is received. 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 effective liaison with civil authorities and has reported all matters received. There has been no opportunity to cooperate with authorities in investigations but the Diocese is prepared to do so if necessary. A procedure to advise victims/survivors of their right to report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil authorities is in place. A clear and well-publicized code of conduct for priests and deacons has been established. The Diocese has a communications policy, which reflects the bishop’s pledge to be open and transparent regarding issues surrounding sexual abuse of minors.

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 the VIRTUS program—Protecting God’s Children—and will implement it on October 10, 2003. The Diocese has publicized standards of conduct for priests and deacons, as well as diocesan employees, volunteers, and other church persons in positions of trust who have regular contact with children and young people. The Diocese is conducting background and screening checks for all diocesan and parish personnel, volunteers, and contractors 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 ministerial assignment. One member of the clergy has taken up residency in another diocese, and the bishop of that diocese has been properly notified. The bishop and members of his staff have met with various members of religious orders in the Diocese to review the policies and procedures relating to sexual abuse of minors. The Diocese has not had the opportunity to cooperate with other faiths or institutions of learning to conduct research in the area of sexual abuse of a minor. A screening and evaluation program for the selection of candidates for ordination is in effect and is being used. 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 Syracuse was issued one Recommendation and one Commendation.

RECOMMENDATION—That the Diocese prepare a checklist detailing a victim’s rights and what assistance is to be offered when a complaint is received.

COMMENDATION-For the Diocese's foresight and diligence in initiating procedures to follow, monitor, direct, control, and assist offending priests by ensuring professional assistance for his healing and well-being.

As of December 1, 2003, the Recommendation has been addressed. The Diocese of Syracuse is found to be compliant with 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