Diocese of
Toledo, Ohio
The Diocese of Toledo (“the Diocese”), established in 1910, encompasses 19 counties in northwest Ohio. The Diocese consists of 159 parishes, 84 elementary schools, 14 high schools, and two colleges/ universities and serves more than 312,000 registered Catholics. There are 195 deacons and 133 active diocesan priests. The Most Reverend Leonard Paul Blair was appointed bishop on October 7, 2003. The Diocese had been without a bishop since the death of Bishop James R. Hoffman on February 8, 2003. A compliance audit was conducted during the period of June 30–July 3, 2003.

The information 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 long had an established outreach program, as illustrated in its 1995 policy Response to Child Abuse and Adult Sexual Misconduct. A Recommendation was issued to revise and update the 1995 diocesan policy in accordance with the Charter and to incorporate a provision for permanent removal of clergy for even a single act of sexual abuse. The bishop, or his designee, has met or offered to meet with victims/survivors of abuse who reported the abuse after June 2002. Frank DiLallo is the victim assistance coordinator and case manager, who coordinates outreach for persons reporting allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. A seven-member review board, established November 2002, comprises one priest and a diverse group of lay persons, including a retired city manager, attorney, pediatrician, clinical psychologist, victim of clergy sexual abuse, and parent/community volunteer. There is written documentation for the composition and activity of the review board. The Diocese was commended for its 1988 and 1995 policies and for the appointment of three experienced, highly-qualified, retired police detectives to assist in the investigation of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. Procedures for filing complaints of sexual abuse are readily available in printed form and have been promulgated in the Catholic Chronicle as well as through parish workshops. No confidentiality agreement has been entered into by the Diocese since June 2002 unless requested by the victim/survivor.

To Guarantee Effective Response to Allegations of Abuse of a Minor
There have been no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy that have occurred since June 2002; however, the Diocese will report all such allegations to civil authorities and has an August 21, 2002, written agreement with the Lucas County, Ohio, prosecuting attorney to that effect. The Diocese has also cooperated with civil authorities in reporting allegations of sexual abuse from individuals who are no longer minors. The 1995 policy directs that victims/survivors are to be advised of their right to make a report to public authorities. Standards of ministerial behavior and appropriate boundaries for clergy and other church personnel who have regular contact with children have been adopted, clearly articulated, and publicized. These standards were most recently highlighted on June 11, 2003 in the form of a memorandum to all clergy, as well in a brochure and during a workshop. The Diocese has an established communications policy that demonstrates commitment to transparency and openness. Specific procedures were developed in May 2003 for communicating with affected parishes.

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 had developed a safe environment program and on June 11, 2003, a document sent to all clerics within the Diocese enclosed the Provisional Code of Pastoral Conduct that addresses the safe environment program and procedures, as well as standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust. The document Screening Process of Applicants for Affiliation with the Diocese addresses diocesan background evaluation procedures. Background evaluations include the use of state law enforcement and other community agency resources. No member of the clergy who has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor has ever been transferred or taken up residence outside the Diocese for ministerial or residency purposes. The vicar for religious has communicated on behalf of the Diocese with all religious orders on discussion points regarding the Charter. The Diocese employs screening and evaluation techniques in evaluating fitness of candidates for ordination. The Diocese has a systematic, ongoing formation program for clergy.

Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter

At the conclusion of this audit, the Diocese of Toledo was issued one Recommendation and two Commendations.

RECOMMENDATION 1—That the 1995 policy regarding sexual abuse by priests, deacons, and other church personnel be revised and updated in writing.

COMMENDATION 1—For the development of comprehensive policies in 1988 and subsequently in 1995 to address allegations of child sexual abuse.

COMMENDATION 2—For the appointment of three highly qualified and experienced retired police detectives to assist in the investigation of allegations of abuse of minors by church personnel.

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


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