• Report from the Bishop
• How the Church Responds
• Settlement Report
• Workshop Dates
• Protection of Children and Young People
• Safety Policies
• Codes of Conduct
• Safe Environment Programs
• Reporting Abuse
• Assistance for Victims
• Child Safety Resources

Charter for the Protection of Children & Youth

Promise to Protect Prayer

How the Church Has Responded

Take 25

Ten Things We Learned

Promise to Protect. Pledge to Heal.
"Let there be no doubt or confusion on anyone's part: For us, your bishops, our obligation to protect children and young people and to prevent sexual abuse flows from the mission and example given to us by Jesus Christ himself, in whose name we serve."
-- Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People - June 25, 2002

Mary Fran Horton, Coordinator
(913) 909-4410

In their pastoral letter, Walk in the Light: A Pastoral Response to Child Sexual Abuse, the US Bishops stated,

"People tend to think that certain authority figures - such as parents, stepparents, teachers and clergy - are above reproach: that 'pillars of the community' could not abuse children.  Abusive behavior often hides behind the masks of love and trust.  While the true incidence of child sexual abuse remains unknown, it is nonetheless significant.  We state firmly and clearly that any act of child sexual abuse is morally evil.  It is never justified."

As a community of faith, we believe that the prevention of child sexual abuse begins with each person. Increased awareness and a willingness to take action are necessary to eradicate abuse in our society, in the community, in the neighborhood, and in the family.