Communications Policy: Media relations
regarding sexual abuse allegations

In dealing with media inquiries regarding allegations of sexual abuse by priests, deacons, religious or lay employees of the diocese, the activities of this office are guided by the provisions of Article 7 in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (revised edition, 2002), which stipulates:  “Each diocese/eparchy will develop a communications policy that reflects a commitment to transparency and openness. Within the confines of respect for the privacy and the reputation of the individuals involved, dioceses/eparchies will deal as openly as possible with members of the community. This is especially so with regard to assisting and supporting parish communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.”

Consistent with the provisions cited above, this office’s activities are guided by a four-fold hierarchy of values:

1.      the alleged victim’s welfare;
2.      the rights of the accused;
3.      the church’s pastoral responsibility in the world and to its members — most of whom will ordinarily become aware of the charges through commercial media outlets; and,
4.      the church’s credibility with the commercial media and their various audiences.  

Too often cases of child abuse prompt sensational attention in the media, which can be harmful to victims, local church communities and the mission of the church. On the other hand, manifold benefits accrue from a forthright and honest presentation of the diocese’s concerted efforts to provide a safe environment for youth and to respond quickly and definitively to allegations of child abuse within the church.    

The director of this office serves as official public spokesperson for the diocese and its personnel, including the Intervention Committee. When appropriate, this office also assists these people in responding to inquiries from the media. Thus, all media inquiries addressed to the personnel of the diocese (including at the local level) are to be referred immediately to the Director of Communications & Publications, who is to consult with the Misconduct Officer, members of the Intervention Committee and others whose responsibilities come to bear on the specific allegations.  

In instances where media inquiries focus on arcane matters of the law, the Director of Communications & Publications may refer media representatives directly to the diocese’s legal counsel to assure full and accurate responses on the part of the diocese.  

All responses and statements to the media will be guided by the hierarchy of values identified at the outset of this policy.

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