Diocese of
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Diocese of Tulsa (“the Diocese”), established in February 1973, encompasses 26,417 square miles and 31 counties in the eastern third of Oklahoma. The 60,000 member Catholic community of the Diocese is served by 46 active diocesan priests, 57 deacons, and 79 parishes. There are 2 high schools and 11 elementary schools. The Most Reverend Edward J. Slattery, who was installed as bishop in January 1994, leads the Diocese. A compliance audit was conducted during the period of July 14-18, 2003.

The following describes conditions evident during the week of the audit. Information on 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 had an established practice of responding to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy since 1993 and a specific policy since 1994. A detailed, comprehensive outreach program, including the use of a pastoral response team, addresses the various needs of victims/survivors, their families, and accused clergy. The 1994 diocesan policy concerning sexual abuse of minors was revised in May 2003 to make the policy consistent with the Charter. The Diocese was commended for its revised policy. Throughout his years of service, as well as during the time since June 2002, the bishop has met and offered to meet with persons who reported abuse. The Diocese is also a member of Child Abuse Network, made up of law enforcement and social services in the Tulsa area to respond to reports of abuse of children. Quentin Henley, a certified social worker and assistant director of Catholic Charities, is the victim assistance coordinator. An eight-member review board, comprising diverse, relevant professional expertise, was established and convened their first meeting in August 2002. No confidentiality agreements have been entered into since June 2002.

To Guarantee Effective Response to Allegations of Abuse of a Minor
The Diocese has reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy since June 2002. The Tulsa County district attorney affirmed a good relationship and timely cooperation with the Diocese. 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. The Diocese has an articulated, established communications policy that reflects openness and transparency. The overall diocesan policy incorporates standards of conduct for clergy and others in positions of trust. There are established procedures for evaluating the backgrounds of all diocesan personnel, including independent contractors and volunteers.

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 established a safe environment program which provides training for parents, educators, clergy, employees, and volunteers who regularly work with youth. A safe environment program to address the needs of children and youth is being established. The overall diocesan policy incorporates standards of conduct for clergy and others in positions of trust. There are established procedures for evaluating the background of all diocesan personnel with regular access to children, including the use of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for criminal background searches. Background inquiries had not been completed on active clergy personnel. A Recommendation was issued to address this matter and to report progress accordingly. Screening and evaluation procedures are used in evaluating the fitness of candidates for ordination. Since June 2002, no cleric has been transferred from the Diocese, for either ministerial or residency purposes. The bishop has initiated dialogue with his counterpart major superiors of clerical institutes or their representatives in the Diocese to discuss their roles in responding to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy. Formal ongoing formation of clergy programs have been developed and implemented.

Compliance with the Provisions of the Charter

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

RECOMMENDATION—That the Diocese of Tulsa submit criminal background requests on all active clergy to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

COMMENDATION—For the diocesan publication Policies Concerning Sexual Misconduct, which incorporates all of the various policies, procedures, codes of conduct, and information-sharing policy regarding diocesan response to allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy.

As of December 1, 2003, the Recommendation had been addressed. The Diocese of Tulsa 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