Father Deibel has been judicial vicar since August 1997 and has recently been appointed vicar for canonical affairs. In the latter capacity, he succeeds Father Sylvester McDermott, who served for many years and continues to serve as vicar for theological affairs. He is responsible for implementation of the policy and procedures on sexual misconduct and harassment along with the priests’ personnel director, Father Thomas Bland, and Nancy Milton, lay advocate.

Q: Has the diocese’s policy on sexual misconduct been effective in addressing the concerns of sexual abuse victims and their families? What about the concerns of clergy, deacons, religious and other church employees?

A: I believe it has been effective in the sense that persons respond to the promptness of our response and our willingness to assist them in any way we can. It is difficult to know if the policy has been effective with victims and their families since we more often than not have less contact after the initial complaint and intervention.

Q: Has the diocese had to deal with many cases of sexual abuse of minors by priests? Has the diocese responded promptly to all allegations of abuse where there is reasonable belief that abuse has occurred?

A: There have been cases involving actual misconduct and abuse with minors. We have had cases in which we have had strong

suspicions brought to our attention by family members and even by other clergy. We have acted on them quickly and thoroughly. Of course, whenever there is a case of abuse of a minor, the matter is reported.

Even in cases where the civil authority has not found sufficient evidence to prosecute, the diocese has extended pastoral outreach to persons and communities impacted by the behavior of a priest. In cases where a minor was involved but is now an adult, we do not report since the adult may do so for him or herself. Sometimes, families are unwilling to come forward for any number of reasons. Other times, families do come forward. No two cases are identical. Each must be handled with extreme sensitivity to the individuals involved. In any event, one is too many.

Q: In cases in the diocese, have all alleged offenders (if allegations are supported by sufficient evidence) been relieved of their ministerial duties and referred for appropriate medical evaluation and intervention?

A: We have received complaints of varying seriousness. Our policy calls for a priest or deacon or employee to be placed on administrative leave should it appear in the initial investigation that it is probable that an offense has occurred that is attributable to an accused person.

Our procedure is to ask the individual to undergo psychological evaluation. We cannot force it upon an individual. We have even asked an individual priest to undergo evaluation where we have not been able to sustain the complaint against him. Such an evaluation affords the bishop an additional assurance that persons under his care are not at risk.

Q: Has the diocese complied with the obligations of civil law as regards reporting of incidents of sexual abuse of minors and cooperating with investigations?

A: Yes. In every instance I know of, the diocese has made the required report to the civil authorities. Further, the church has cooperated with the civil investigation. Even though one is too many and unacceptable, the instances are few. I might add that the diocese has reported to the civil authorities in those instances where it has not been required to do so, especially before clergy became mandated reporters under state law.

Q: What have bishops and other church officials learned in the past decade about clergy sexual abuse and the dimensions of sex abuse in general?

A: I cannot speak for all. However, my sense is that we have learned often times through a painful process that the dimensions of sexual abuse at the hands of anyone are far reaching. Where religious leaders are involved, the hurt and betrayal is even more serious and devastating as is the ensuing scandal. I would say that we have also learned that prompt response is essential to the well-being of those who have been victimized, particularly where minors are involved.

It is important to remember that all sexual abuse is not susceptible to uniform classification or diagnosis. We hear of situations that took place decades ago. Such a situation presents a unique challenge. We also, of course, hear of situations that are ongoing. And these present specific challenges in the face of the fluid nature of the situation and the volatility of the circumstances. Finally, it is important to distinguish between sexual abuse involving minors and sexual abuse or misconduct involving adults. Both are serious and unacceptable, but they are very different situations requiring very different responses.

Q: What are the “red flags” or signs which could justify parishioners expressing concern to church officials about a priest?

A: With regard to minors, any behavior on the part of a priest, deacon or church employee that focuses unduly or exclusively on a minor or persons who are vulnerable should be reported for investigation. Persons should not feel uneasy about making such reports. The church cannot respond or intervene unless it is made aware of behavior that is inappropriate. Much of our work is with young people and for that reason we need to be especially vigilant. Persons reporting should be prepared to give as much detail accurately as they possibly can to assist the church in the process of either reporting or investigating.

Q: What would you say to victims and to the Catholic community in general about the national attention that has been given recently to the problem of sexual abuse in the church?

A: The attention this issue has been receiving lately in the national press is not really new. We have experienced it before. Earlier attention made the church aware of many aspects of the problem. Earlier attention in the media and the courts has facilitated the development of policies for response to injured persons and for the screening of individuals for work in ministry. For example, we now have mandated reporting laws that include teachers and other church personnel.

The recent attention, however, has been both more intense and pervasive than in the past. It is nevertheless extremely painful and embarrassing for all concerned. Honest reporting by the media and, more importantly, by the persons injured by the behavior, is essential to surfacing the issue and raising awareness. As I have said before, church leadership cannot respond in a vacuum. Without information, there is no way to confront the problem and assist those injured. I also hope that the reporting by the media would not be limited to the horror stories but would include some reporting of the constructive work that has been done to respond to the need for healing in our life today.

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