April 25, 2002
Contact: Sister Judith Davies, OSF
815/722-6606

DIOCESE OF JOLIET VOLUNTEERS TO RELEASE PREVIOUS ALLEGATIONS TO STATE AUTHORITIES AS PART OF COMMITMENT TO END CLERICAL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH MINORS

Joliet, Ill., April 25, 2002 -- The Diocese of Joliet will voluntarily turn over to the Will County State's Attorney and the DuPage County State's Attorney all allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor made between 1970 and 2002 against priests who have served in the diocese.

The decision to release the information is part of a plan of action being developed by the diocese to put an end to the tragedy of child sexual abuse by priests, Bishop Joseph Imesch said.

"We agree with the Holy Father that child sexual abuse is a sin and a crime and will not be tolerated," Bishop Imesch said. "We also acknowledge that in retrospect some of our past actions were inconsistent with our goals to protect children and act responsibly and compassionately toward victims. As we move forward, we pledge to do everything in our power to make sure no child is at risk and that the interests of the victim are always put first."

Besides turning over all allegations of sexual abuse -- those that are substantiated and those that are not -- the diocese has begun a thorough review of its policies and procedures for handling sexual misconduct allegations. Among the steps under consideration is the formation of an independent advisory group to review diocesan policies on sexual misconduct. The group would include lay members such as child welfare professionals as well as at least one survivor or a parent of a survivor of child sexual abuse.

"We recognize that this issue is vitally important," said Sister Judith Davies, OSF, Chancellor of the Joliet Diocese. "Therefore, we fully intend to bring all our resources to bear to safeguard children as we move forward. Part of our commitment involves inviting the input of the laity and we are urging people with an interest in helping to contact us. We will consider all ideas."

Bishop Imesch said that the diocese realizes that by turning over files, more past allegations may come to light.

"We know this may cause pain for victims and their families, as well as for our parishioners. For that we are profoundly sorry," he said. "But we truly believe that the only way we can heal and move forward is to thoroughly review the past and be as open as we can, while protecting the privacy of victims who choose confidentiality."

In reviewing its policies and procedures, the Diocese of Joliet will continue to look to the direction set as a result of the recent gathering of Cardinals in Rome as well as any guidelines that result from the bishop's meeting in Dallas in June.

"In the mean time, we are immediately taking what we believe are essential steps to help past victims and to ensure that this never, ever happens again," said Imesch.

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