Press Releases – Clergy Sex Abuse Crisis

STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO AS NEW YORK’S CHILD VICTIMS ACT TAKES EFFECT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
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jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

STATEMENT BY BISHOP NICHOLAS DIMARZIO AS

NEW YORK’S CHILD VICTIMS ACT TAKES EFFECT

 

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, today has issued the following statement on the first day of the one-year lookback window for claims of child sexual abuse following the passage of the New York State Child Victim’s Act this past session:

“Today, we stand with victims who were sexually abused as children. We have reached this point because too many victims all across society have sadly carried this heavy cross for far too long. Sexual abuse is a heinous crime, and victim-survivors now have a new avenue to seek redress through the Child Victims Act.

For anyone abused by a priest, employee or volunteer — I am sorry that a member of our church who you trusted became the source of pain and anguish. You should know the Diocese of Brooklyn has instituted the most aggressive policies to prevent any future abuse and to protect children.

We have also worked to put survivors first through many programs. Our Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program has settled with nearly 500 victims. It is our hope and intention to continue the IRCP. Our various support groups and our yearly Mass of Hope and Healing highlight our commitment. I have also personally met with victim-survivors to hear their heart-wrenching stories.

The Diocese of Brooklyn will never stop fighting sexual abuse. We will never stop supporting those who need healing and will forever work to restore the faith of those we have failed,” said DiMarzio.

The link to a video recording of the above statement by Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is below.

To date, the Diocese of Brooklyn has worked with nearly 500 victims and has paid over $90 million in settlements.  Earlier this year, the Diocese of Brooklyn published a list of credibly accused clergy who have served the Diocese throughout its 166-year history.

The Diocese of Brooklyn has put victim-survivors first through the resources offered by the Victim Assistance Ministry. The Diocese provides independent licensed therapists and support groups to help victim-survivors through the healing process. The Bishop also celebrates a yearly Mass of Hope and Healing bringing the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens together to pray for victim-survivors of clergy sex abuse.

Throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn, significant programs have been instituted to prevent future abuse and to protect children. They include a Zero Tolerance policy which states that any clergy member credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor is permanently removed from ministry.

The Diocese also conducts initial and ongoing background checks of all employees and volunteers and provides age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness training for children and adults.

Over 82,000 adults have been trained in sexual abuse awareness including all clergy, teachers, parish and academy/school employees, catechists and volunteers who work directly with children. Each year, over 60,000 children are instructed in the Child Lures Prevention Program.

A video explanation of the role of the Diocesan Review Board has been published on our website today. In it, Joseph Esposito, Chairperson of the Diocesan Review Board and retired NYPD Chief of Department, explains how the board handles allegations of sexual abuse against a cleric. The link to the video is below.

For more information about the ongoing efforts in the Diocese of Brooklyn, visit dioceseofbrooklyn.org/protecting-children/sex-abuse-crisis-response/

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Video Statement:
vimeo.com/353811094

 

 

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DECLARACIÓN DEL OBISPO NICHOLAS DIMARZIOLA LEY DE VÍCTIMAS INFANTILES DE NEW YORK ES EFECTIVA

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

 

DECLARACIÓN DEL OBISPO NICHOLAS DIMARZIO

LA LEY DE VÍCTIMAS INFANTILES DE NEW YORK ES EFECTIVA

 
Luego de la entrada en vigencia de la nueva Ley de Victimas Infantiles aprobadas por el Estado de Nueva York que abrió por un año la ventana restrospectiva que amplía el tiempo de prescripción de los delitos de abusos sexuales a menores, Monseñor Nicholas DiMarzio, Obispo de Brooklyn, emitió hoy la siguiente declaración:

 
“Hoy, estamos con víctimas que fueron abusadas sexualmente cuando eran niños. Hemos llegado a este punto porque muchas víctimas, en toda la sociedad, han llevado tristemente esta pesada cruz durante demasiado tiempo. El abuso sexual es un crimen atroz, pero los sobrevivientes ahora tienen una nueva vía para buscar reparación a través de la Ley de víctimas infantiles.

Frente a cualquier persona maltratada por un sacerdote, empleado o voluntario, lamento que un miembro de nuestra Iglesia, en quien usted confiaba, se convirtiera en una fuente de dolor y angustia. Debe saber que la Diócesis de Brooklyn ha instituido las políticas más agresivas para prevenir futuros abusos y proteger a los niños.

También hemos trabajado para poner a las víctimas en primer lugar a través de muchos programas. Nuestro programa independiente de reconciliación y compensación (IRCP) ha indemnizado ya a casi 500 víctimas. Es nuestra esperanza e intención continuar con el IRCP. Nuestros diversos grupos de apoyo y la Misa anual de Esperanza y Sanación destacan nuestro compromiso. También me he reunido personalmente con víctimas y sobrevivientes para escuchar sus desgarradoras historias.

La Diócesis de Brooklyn nunca dejará de luchar contra el abuso sexual. Nunca dejaremos de apoyar a quienes necesitan curación y trabajaremos siempre para restaurar la fe de aquellos a quienes le hemos fallado .”

 
Al final de la nota está disponible un enlace donde se puede ver la declaración del obispo en el idioma original.

 
Hasta la fecha, la Diócesis de Brooklyn ha trabajado con casi 500 víctimas y ha pagado más de $ 90 millones en indemnizaciones. A principios de este año, la Diócesis de Brooklyn publicó una lista de clérigos acusados creiblemente que han servido a la Diócesis a lo largo de sus 166 años de historia.

 
La Diócesis de Brooklyn ha puesto a las víctimas y sobrevivientes en el primer lugar a través de los recursos ofrecidos por el Ministerio de Asistencia a las Víctimas. Además de  proporcionarles terapeutas con licencia independientes y grupos de apoyo para ayudarlos a través del proceso de sanación. El Obispo también celebra una Misa anual de Esperanza y Sanación que reúne a los fieles de Brooklyn y Queens para rezar por las víctimas-sobrevivientes del abuso sexual del clero.

A lo largo de la jurisdicción diocesana, se han instituido importantes programas para prevenir futuros abusos y proteger a los niños. Incluyen una política de Tolerancia Cero que establece que cualquier miembro del clero acusado creíblemente de abuso sexual de un menor es removido permanentemente del ministerio.

 
La Diócesis también lleva a cabo verificaciones de antecedentes iniciales y continuas de todos los empleados y voluntarios y brinda capacitación de concientización sobre abuso sexual apropiada para niños y adultos.

 
Más de 82,000 adultos han recibido capacitación sobre el abuso sexual, incluidos todos clerigos, empleados, maestros de parroquias y academias / escuelas, catequistas y voluntarios que trabajan directamente con los niños. Cada año, más de 60,000 niños reciben instrucción en el Programa de prevención de señuelos infantiles.

 
Hoy se ha publicado en nuestro sitio web una explicación en video del papel de la Junta de Revisión Diocesana. En él, Joseph Esposito, presidente de la Junta de Revisión Diocesana y Jefe retirado del Departamento de Policía de Nueva York, explica cómo la junta maneja las denuncias de abuso sexual contra un clérigo. El enlace al video está abajo.

 
Para obtener más información sobre los esfuerzos en curso en la Diócesis de Brooklyn, visite https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/sex-abuse-crisis-response/.

 
Declaración en video del obispo Nicholas DiMarzio:

https://vimeo.com/353811094

 
Video explicativo de la Junta de Revisión Diocesana:

https://vimeo.com/353795404

 
 

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES DECISIONS REACHED IN FOUR INVESTIGATIONS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2019

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

John Quaglione 
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES DECISIONS REACHED IN FOUR INVESTIGATIONS

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing the conclusion of several investigations involving four priests who were recently accused of sexual abuse during the 1970s. Sexual abuse is a heinous, sinful crime and the Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to remaining vigilant against such abuse.

These case determinations were made by the Diocesan Review Board (Review Board), which is comprised of lay independent professionals: former law enforcement officers, lawyers with experience in family law and child abuse, healthcare professionals and mental health professionals. Throughout the process, the guidelines set forth by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People were followed.

 

REV. CHARLES WHITE

A recent claim of alleged sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to the 1970s against 79-year-old retired Father Charles White, has been investigated and determined by the Review Board to be a credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor. By “credible” the Diocesan officials believe that the allegations may be true.

As a result of the Review Board’s determination, Father Charles White, who was ordained on May 29, 1965, has been removed from public ministry. That means he is not permitted to celebrate Mass publicly, cannot exercise any public ministry and cannot live in a parish residence.

BACKGROUND

The allegation was called in to the Independent Reporting Line on March 29, 2018, and forwarded to law enforcement that same day. Father White was informed of the allegation, which was referred for investigation on March 30, 2018.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1974-1978 while Father White was serving at American Martyrs Church in Queens.

While investigating this claim, another allegation made on February 1, 1999, was discovered. In that case, the Review Board determined in a letter dated April 24, 2004, that the claim of sexual abuse of a minor was not credible.

As a result of the accusation reported in 2018, the allegation reported in 1999 was reopened and the Review Board determined it was also a substantiated, credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor.

Due to the Review Board’s findings, Father Charles White will be placed on the list of credibly accused priests, which the Diocese published on their website (https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/sex-abuse-crisis-response/list/) earlier this year.

 

REV. HUGH BYRNE

A recent claim of alleged sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to the 1970s against 86-year-old retired Father Hugh Byrne, has been investigated by the Review Board and found to be a credible allegation of sexual misconduct against a minor. By “credible” the Diocesan officials believe that the allegations may be true.

As a result of the Review Board’s determination, Father Hugh Byrne, who was ordained on June 2, 1962, has been removed from public ministry. That means he is not permitted to celebrate Mass publicly, cannot exercise any public ministry and cannot live in a parish residence.

BACKGROUND

The allegation was reported to the Independent Reporting Line on December 20, 2017, and forwarded to law enforcement that same day. Father Byrne was informed of this allegation, which was referred for investigation on December 31, 2017.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1971-1973, when Father Byrne was serving at Holy Ghost Parish in Brooklyn (since renamed Holy Spirit).

As a result of this investigation, another allegation that dated back to 1996 was found. There is no record of a formal investigation for that allegation which was reported to the diocese on June 15, 2006, and was reported to law enforcement on that date as well. The records show after an initial interview, the alleged victim did not pursue the allegation further.

As a result of the 2017 report, the allegation received in 2006 was reopened and investigated concurrently with the allegation made in 2017 and also determined to be credible by the Review Board.

Due to the Review Board’s findings, Father Hugh Byrne will be placed on the list of credibly accused priests, which the Diocese published on their website (https://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/sex-abuse-crisis-response/list/) earlier this year.

 

REV. JOSEPH NOLAN

An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back to the 1970s against 97-year-old retired Father Joseph Nolan has been investigated and determined by the Review Board to be not credible.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1976-1979 while Father Nolan was serving at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church in Queens. Father Nolan served at that parish between 1975-1984.

The allegation was received on Dec 20, 2017, in conjunction with the alleged victim’s registration for the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. It was reported to law enforcement that same day. The case was referred for investigation on December 31, 2017.

The Review Board has now presented its findings and has determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim against Father Nolan as credible. Their investigation found no corroboration of what the victim alleged.

Father Joseph Nolan was ordained on May 31, 1947. Prior to this allegation, Father Nolan had another allegation reported to the diocese on December 20, 2017, through an attorney. After many unsuccessful attempts by the attorney to contact the complainant, the attorney dropped that case.

 

REV. WILLIAM WITH

An allegation of sexual abuse of a minor dating back to the 1970s against Father William With, pastor at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn since 2004, has been investigated and determined by the Review Board to be not credible.

The reported abuse allegedly took place between 1972-1975 at Our Lady of the Cenacle Roman Catholic Church in Queens. Father With served at that parish between 1972-1976.

The allegation was formally reported to the diocese through the Independent Reporting Line on March 29, 2018. On that same day, it was reported to law enforcement. The Diocese informed Father With of the allegation and an investigation began.

The Diocesan Review Board has now presented its findings and has determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate that the claim against Father With was credible. Their investigation found no corroboration with what the victim alleged.

A letter was read to parishioners at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church this past weekend (August 10-11) informing them of the conclusion of this investigation.

Father William A. With was ordained on May 27, 1972. Prior to this allegation, there has never been any allegation of misconduct in Father With’s 47 years of service in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He has no history of being disciplined due to any complaints.

 

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN RESPONDS TO NEW YORK STATE  ATTORNEY GENERAL’S SUBPOENA AND INVESTIGATION 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN RESPONDS TO NEW YORK STATE
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S SUBPOENA AND INVESTIGATION 

The Diocese of Brooklyn has received the subpoena sent by the New York State Attorney General and we are in the process of reviewing it. We have been collaborating closely with law enforcement for many years and stand ready to work with her office on this investigation.

In 2002, the Diocese of Brooklyn handed over all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon, to the district attorneys in Brooklyn and Queens. Since that time, we have adopted a zero tolerance policy and have reported any and all allegations of sexual abuse to law enforcement.

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Message from Bishop DiMarzio: Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

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It is with great sorrow that I address the horrific stories in the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report detailing the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy. It is shameful to think that some bishops and others in positions of authority would have failed to recognize the gravity of child abuse and not taken greater steps to stop it. I know this has been hurtful and confusing to the faithful. It is even more painful to the survivors of clergy abuse who are forced to relive their trauma when they hear additional accounts of evil perpetrated against more than a thousand innocent children. The wounds of betrayal continue to be reopened. I know that words alone cannot express the anger and pain that many are feeling. Only Jesus can bring about healing in the midst of such darkness and brokenness.

Many people have lost trust in the Catholic Church, and words are empty without action. Here in the Diocese of Brooklyn, we continue to urge anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse, or is aware of sexual abuse committed by a member of the clergy, a diocesan employee, or volunteer to report it. Allegations called into the diocesan reporting line at 1-888-634-4499 will be immediately turned over to law enforcement and callers will be met with compassion, support, and concern. We are committed to ensuring that children and the most vulnerable are protected, that victim-survivors are heard, and that protocols to immediately and directly report allegations to law enforcement are strictly followed. Our Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) has allowed hundreds of victims to seek some sense of closure and compensation. The Church has come a long way over the past 15 years, but we must never become complacent. We must never stop working to understand and protect against the evil that has hurt and even destroyed so many within our Church. And we must remain committed to regaining the trust of the faithful.

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO SPONSOR MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING  WITH SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Carolyn Erstad
323-384-7098
cerstad@desalesmedia.org

Adriana Rodriguez
516-238-7565
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org

DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN TO SPONSOR MASS OF HOPE AND HEALING
WITH SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

On Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00 PM, the Diocese of Brooklyn, in partnership with survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, will hold the fourth annual Mass of Hope and Healing. The Mass at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 150-75 Goethals Avenue, Jamaica, Queens is offered for all those affected by sexual abuse. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant.

The Mass is organized by the diocesan Office of Victim Assistance Ministry along with survivors, who have come together to pray for the ongoing healing of sexual abuse survivors, for their families, the Church, and for the continued vigilance toward the protection of children and youth.

Survivors who help organize the annual Mass are sharing their stories in a video message, encouraging others who have suffered abuse to come forward and seek support. “The abuse victims have suffered, for many, also severed their relationship with the Church,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “Through God’s grace, we have begun to restore some of these relationships. The survivors have advised us of the need for healing Masses so I hope people will join me in praying for our survivors.”

Clergy, survivors, family members of survivors, and many others committed to the protection and safety of children will be in attendance. Healing Intervention Team members will also be present for anyone wishing to learn about the services provided by the Office of Victim Assistance Ministry.

Media interested in covering the Mass must contact Carolyn Erstad at 323-384-7098 or cerstad@desalesmedia.org. There will be specific guidelines for photography and filming.

New Evangelization Television (NET TV) will broadcast the Mass for Hope and Healing LIVE. The Mass will also be LIVE streamed on www.netny.tv.

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Official Statement of the Diocese of Brooklyn

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that James Lara, aka Jaime Lara, who was ordained in 1973 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1992, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized by the Holy Father.  This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric.  This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is consistent with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Joseph P. Byrns, who was ordained in 1969 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2002, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that William E. Finger, who was ordained in 1962 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1980, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship, which at the time was the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Stephen Placa, who was ordained in 1995 and was in active ministry until his departure in 2002, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Thomas O. Morrow, who was ordained in 1971 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1987, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Romano J. Ferraro, who was ordained in 1960 and was removed from active ministry in 1988, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Charles M. Mangini, who was ordained in 1968 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1993, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Christopher Lee Coleman, who was ordained in 1994 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2011, was dispensed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Robert McConnin, who was ordained in 1973 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2007, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Thomas Nohilly, who was ordained in 1981 and was in active ministry until his removal in 2002, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Barry E. Ryan, who was ordained in 1976 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1994, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Patrick Sexton, who was ordained in 1977 and was in active ministry until his removal in 1990, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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The Diocese of Brooklyn wishes to confirm that Daniel J. Sheehan, who was ordained in 1979 and was in active ministry until his departure in 1998, was dismissed from the clerical state, otherwise referred to as laicized, by the Holy Father. This action was communicated via an ecclesiastical decree issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is the Vatican office authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric. This confirmation is being made in keeping with clause #6 of the aforementioned decree, and is in accord with the policies and procedures of the Diocese of Brooklyn, put in place for the protection of minors.

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENT RECONCILIATION AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

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The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a significant step in its ongoing response to the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy. The Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) will allow survivors of sexual abuse by priests or deacons of the Diocese to seek financial compensation. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is implementing the voluntary program in Brooklyn and Queens to promote healing and to bring some element of closure.

“I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this compensation program is a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends,” Bishop DiMarzio said in a video statement announcing the IRCP. (Read Bishop DiMarzio’s written statement here)

How the Program Works
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s IRCP will be administered by renowned settlement administrators and compensation experts Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros. Modeled after a program launched last October by the Archdiocese of New York, Feinberg and Biros will have total independence in determining compensation for survivors, and the Diocese will abide by their decisions. To further ensure public confidence in the IRCP, the Independent Oversight Committee has been established. Retired NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Joseph P. Dunne, retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Joseph G. Golia, and former president of the Queens Chapter of the American Psychiatric Association Dr. Barbara L. Ponieman have agreed to serve on this committee. Commissioner Dunne and Justice Golia have reviewed and approved the program’s protocol and will oversee its implementation and administration. The decisions made by Feinberg and Biros will not, however, be subject to appeal and cannot be overturned by the committee or the Diocese.

“We commend Bishop DiMarzio and the Brooklyn Diocese for their decision to implement the Brooklyn IRCP,” Feinberg said. “The Brooklyn Program continues the successful implementation of our work with the New York Archdiocese for which we have made payments to over 120 eligible individuals. We look forward to working with the Diocese and the Independent Oversight Committee.”

Policy on Reporting Abuse and Issues of Confidentiality
The Diocese of Brooklyn reports all claims of sexual abuse against a minor, irrespective of when the alleged abuse occurred, to the appropriate law enforcement agencies including the local district attorney.

Along with law enforcement authorities, the Diocese understands the importance of protecting the identity of victims of sexual abuse. To that end, the Diocese and the IRCP will respect the privacy of participants. However, participants themselves will not be bound by any type of confidentiality agreement and are free to discuss any and all aspects of their case and the compensation they may receive with anyone they wish.

Continued Victim Outreach
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Victim Assistance will continue all of its past efforts to support victims, such as paying the cost of therapy provided by independent professionals who are unaffiliated with the Church, offering various support groups, providing monthly prayer groups, and holding our annual Mass of Hope and Healing. Bishop DiMarzio will continue to listen to and be guided by the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Survivors Advisory Committee, whose members were victims of clergy abuse, in developing new ways to respond to the needs of victims.

Victim Response to the IRCP
Anthony Hughes, 41, came forward in 2006 to report being abused by a priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn in the 1980s. Hughes says at first the Church was unsupportive and he felt that he was not believed, but in recent years there has been a significant shift. “This Bishop [DiMarzio] is listening to survivors. People need to know that the Church is moving in the right direction.” Today, Hughes is a member of the Survivors Advisory Committee and speaks publicly about his story.

Funding the IRCP
The Diocese will take out a loan to pay for the cost of compensating survivors. Donations given by the faithful in support of parishes, schools, charitable works, ministries, apostolates, and the Generations of Faith fundraising campaign will not be used to fund the IRCP.

How to File a Claim
The Diocese has already begun reaching out to survivors who have previously reported abuse by a diocesan clergy member. These known survivors are invited to participate in Phase I of the IRCP. In the next few days, these individuals will be receiving further information by mail from Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros with details about the IRCP process and instructions for submitting a claim. (The deadline for filing a claim in Phase I of the IRCP is September 30, 2017.)

Those who may come forward with a previously unreported allegation of abuse will be eligible to participate in Phase II by first registering through the program’s website to receive information for Phase II when it becomes available.

To learn more about the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program and for information on how to file a claim, go to www.BrooklynDiocese-IRCP.com or call toll free 855-796-3463.

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Independent Reconciliation And Compensation Program

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DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENT RECONCILIATION AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE

The Diocese of Brooklyn is announcing a significant step in its ongoing response to the sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy. The Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) will allow survivors of sexual abuse by priests or deacons of the Diocese to seek financial compensation. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is implementing the voluntary program in Brooklyn and Queens to promote healing and to bring some element of closure.

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STATEMENT FROM BISHOP DIMARZIO ON THE IRCP

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I am announcing a significant new step in the ongoing effort of the Diocese of Brooklyn to address the wounds of those sexually abused by members of the clergy. It is called the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). It is one more way our diocese, which serves Brooklyn and Queens, can acknowledge the harm that was done by those who were priests or deacons and show our solidarity with survivors.  Our Program is modeled after the program recently launched by the Archdiocese of New York. Compensation decisions will be made by Kenneth R. Feinberg who administered numerous high-profile compensation programs, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, the compensation fund for the victims of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, served as a mediator for sexual abuse cases for Penn State University and administered many other corporate and charitable independent compensation programs. Mr. Feinberg will have total independence in his decisions.

Throughout my time as a diocesan bishop, first in Camden and then in Brooklyn and Queens, I have met with more than 50 survivors.  It is difficult to hear about the pain caused by the criminal behavior of members of the clergy.  I am well aware that no amount of money will ever heal the scars of abuse, but this program is a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends. We hope it will help with the healing process and bring survivors some element of healing.

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