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| June 2002 Statement by Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien Regarding
the Status of
Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien's Statements at a Press Conference on June 21, 2002 Regarding the Charter Approved by the Catholic Bishops in Dallas (June 21) The Charter, which was approved by the nation's Catholic Bishops in Dallas, will make a definite and decided difference in our church and how we respond to allegations of abuse by clergy. The document developed over two days is a strong and substantial one. The sole purpose and intent of the charter reaffirmed my position which is the protection of children and young people in the church. I am committed to the Charter. I voted for it. I voted for zero tolerance. In fact, before I left Phoenix for Dallas, I had decided to open the files regarding sexual misconduct by priests in this Diocese. As you know, the meeting in Dallas was difficult and stressful. The testimonials from victims was horrifying and wrenching. It is my prayer that the Charter, while it cannot heal the wounds of the past, will offer them some comfort. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and I, as Bishop of the Phoenix Diocese, will do everything we can to protect the children and youth of our church, and the community. We know the Charter isn't perfect, but it is a major step. And, we are going to continue to be vigilant, and with God's help, we'll provide a secure and safe environment. The issue regarding accountability of Bishops remains. We collectively acknowledge our mistakes and take responsibility for past failures but also for trying to deal effectively with this situation in the future. The Office of Child and Youth Protection and the National Review Board will have oversight regarding the implementation of the procedures in the Charter to ensure that Dioceses are in compliance. The Diocese of Phoenix plans to lead the nation in compliance. I am pleased by the County Attorney's reaction to our willing initiative to cooperate with his office in its investigation of Father Patrick Colleary, but our intention to cooperate does not end there. This Diocese is going to be proactively cooperative in the investigation of anyone who may be guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor. This Diocese has the best interest of this community and its children at heart. I will move aggressively in pursuing the defrocking of George Bredemann, Lan Sherwood, and Mark Lehman. Today, I am removing permanently from priestly ministry, effective immediately, the following priests: Joseph Briceno, Joseph Lessard, and Harold Graf. This means that they cannot celebrate Mass publicly, wear a clerical collar or appear publicly as a priest. Allow me to once again make clear that my objective and that of the Roman Catholic Church is to protect our children and young people, providing a safe environment. I will suspend clerics when allegations of sexual misconduct are raised and act aggressively to remove the guilty from ministry. I will also aggressively pursue removing priests from the clerical state when it is warranted. We want to assist victims toward healing and reconciliation. To the Catholic people and our Non-Catholic friends, the nation's Bishops and I, the Bishop of Phoenix, will do everything we can to restore your trust in our credibility and leadership. On behalf of the church, the Diocese of Phoenix, and in my own name, I apologize for any mistakes or errors in judgement, and ask for your prayers and forgiveness. Again, I apologize for any mistakes I may have made. And, I want to assure you that no one in this Diocese who commits crimes against youths will be protected by the Church. We will move forward with faith, and with this faith, we are confident that we will NOT be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. We pray for God's mercy on all of us. May God bless all of you. Statement by Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien Regarding the U.S.C.C.B. Draft Charter on Protection of Children and Young People “The Catholic Bishop’s of the United States have received a document entitled, “A Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” It’s the work of the Bishops’ Committee on Sexual Abuse which has studied and reviewed the information provided by Bishops around the country who have reacted to proposals dealing with a variety of issues surrounding this important situation facing our Church in this country. I believe it’s a well developed document with far reaching implications. It attempts to address immediate as well as future needs and concerns. It will form the basis of our discussion and delib- erations in formulating a possible national policy which will affect each diocese in the country. In Dallas I will have the opportunity to listen and to share ideas and concerns dealing with this complex issue. My intent, as well as the other Bishops, will be to safeguard and protect young people from any sexual abuse by clerics or church personnel. I agree completely with the Holy Father’s statement that there is no place in the church for people who pose a threat of harm to our young people. So in theory I support the policy on zero tolerance. From my experience
and after discussing this with professionals I have some serious and unresolved
questions about its universal application. I hope in Dallas and here in Phoenix we can begin the necessary process of healing and reconciliation to build up the Body of Christ.” |
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