Archdiocese of Portland releases personnel, sex-abuse documents

06/14/2007

Catholic Sentinel


To help in healing and reconciliation for victims of clergy sexual abuse, the Archdiocese of Portland last week released scores of decades-old private personnel documents.

The letters, formal depositions and memos posted on the Internet show that church officials at the highest levels often knew about abusive priests, but operated under the standards of the times and attempted to handle matters internally.

More documents may be released in the future.

In the 1970s and 80s, institutions were coming of age on what the old documents often call “indiscretions.” In 1983, at about the same time Father Thomas Laughlin of Portland was getting national attention as one of the first pedophile priests to be charged publicly with a crime, a local physician was accused of abusing youths. The medical group addressed the issue at about the same speed as the archdiocese. Public schools began dealing with cases of abuse by teachers and coaches, going public only reluctantly.

In a letter accompanying the documents — released as part of the archdiocese’s bankruptcy settlement with abuse victims — Archbishop John Vlazny wrote that decision-makers of the past ought not be judged based on the knowledge of today.

“The information in most of these documents is from decades ago when people did not have the benefit of today’s knowledge and standards,” the archbishop wrote. “Church officials, as well as others involved, did not always respond then as they might now.”

As a result of the Laughlin case, the archdiocese, with help from lay advisors, established screening and intervention that helped curtail abuse in western Oregon.

Archbishop Vlazny strengthened the policy in 2002. According to the policy, which was influenced by local law enforcement and the U.S. bishops’ charter on protecting children, the archdiocese will not investigate allegations alone. Those with first-hand knowledge of abuse allegations must report to civil authorities.

Also put in place were strict screening for clergy and all workers, education for employees and children about abuse and safe touch, and archdiocesan staff to help parishes and schools implement the new safety rules.

Archbishop Vlazny led a day of prayer and fasting Wednesday and a service of reconciliation for victims and all Catholics at the cathedral.

To view the documents, go to www.archdiocesedocuments.org.

http://www.sentinel.org/articles/2007-24/15415.html