Archbishop Burke

ON OUR RENEWED COMMITMENT TO THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I write to express to you the renewed commitment of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis to the protection of children and young people. Because I know of your deepest concerns in the matter and share the same concerns, I assure you that the vigilant work of the Archdiocese to safeguard children and young people continues strongly and unwaveringly.

In expressing the renewed commitment of the Archdiocese to protection of children and young people in the Church, I express again my heartfelt apologies to anyone who has suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a member of the clergy or any worker in the Church. The breach of the most sacred trust which children and young people place in those who represent the Church is the source of deepest sorrow for me personally, as I know that it is for all of you.

The Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection is directed full-time to the prevention of sexual abuse of minors in the Church, to the promotion of safety for children and young people, and to the ongoing care of those who have suffered sexual abuse. Since 2002, 60,000 adults who are employed by or volunteer in our parishes and institutions, and who, in the course of their service to the Church, are in the presence of minors, have participated in the professionally developed and presented program entitled Protecting God’s Children.  The program equips those who serve the Church to recognize questionable behavior, to implement best practices for the safety of our children, and to take the necessary steps to address even the suspicion that a cleric or other Church worker has done something inappropriate or wrong.

In addition, all clergy, employees and volunteers whose service in the Church brings them into contact with children must have a regular background check conducted through the Missouri Department of Family Services. Also, the Archdiocese has adopted the Code of Ethical Conduct to guide workers and volunteers in the protection of children and young people.

For my part, I desire to have communication with all who have been the victims of abuse in the Church. I want to offer whatever help I can to the healing of the deep wound inflicted by sexual abuse, especially when it is perpetrated by the clergy or other Church workers. Since beginning my service in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, I have met with several victims and their families. At the same time, I have decried the crime of sexual abuse of minors and have urged anyone who has experienced abuse in the Church to be in contact with the civil authorities and with the Church.

The Archdiocese will continue to offer assistance in the healing of all who suffer the grave effects of sexual abuse. The Church is, likewise, committed to do everything possible to prevent any member of the clergy or other worker, who has harmed a child or young person, from continuing his or her service in the Church.

The Church relies on the help of God’s grace to remain firm in her resolve and effective in her action to protect children and young people. Let us all pray that we may always express the love of Christ for children and the most vulnerable in our midst. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of America and Star of the New Evangelization, intercede for us in all of our efforts to safeguard our children and young people.

Invoking God’s blessing upon you and your homes, I remain

Yours devotedly in Christ,

(Most Rev.) Raymond L. Burke
Archbishop of Saint Louis