Protection of Children and Youth
In a significant move to protect children and youth, the Diocese of Kalamazoo has banned several former Michigan priests and non-clergy members from working with minors. The decision comes from the Diocese’s thorough review and updating of its child protection policies.
5 Key Points:
1. The Diocese of Kalamazoo has published a list of individuals, including clergy and non-clergy members, who are disqualified from working with children.
2. The list covers more than just clergy sexual abuse, including continued violations of child-protection policies, failure to report allegations of abuse, and physical abuse of minors.
3. For an individual to be included on the list, the relevant allegation(s) must be established as credible through legal proceedings, self-admission, or clear and convincing evidence.
4. The list includes living members, deceased members, and those banned for actions elsewhere.
5. The Diocese aims to protect children, educate the community, and eradicate all forms of child abuse through these policy updates.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Bishop Lohse of the Diocese of Kalamazoo emphasized the importance of these policy updates, stating that the primary goals are to protect children and youth entrusted to the Diocese, educate the community to recognize predatory behavior and work towards eradicating all forms of child abuse. The publication of this list is a crucial step in creating a safe environment within the Diocese’s churches, schools, and apostolates.
Credible Allegations and Disqualifying Actions
The Diocese has outlined specific actions that disqualify individuals from working with children, including continued violations of child-protection policies, failing to report allegations of abuse, furnishing pornography to minors, and direct sexual abuse or assault of minors. For an individual to be included on the list, the relevant allegation(s) must be established as credible through secular or canon law proceedings, self-admission, or evidence that meets the “clear and convincing” standard.
Living and Deceased Members on the List
The list includes living and deceased individuals who have been banned from working with children. Living members, such as Douglas Alan Butler, Fr. Richard Fritz, and Fr. Brian Stanley, are listed with their last known status or employment and current location. Deceased members, like Father Dennis Boylan and Calvert Shenk, are included to recognize that the effects of their actions persist even after their death.
Those Banned for Actions Elsewhere
The Diocese also includes individuals who have been credibly accused of abuse or misconduct in other dioceses, such as Msgr. Leonard Bogdan is on the credibly accused lists of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Diocese of Phoenix, and the Bishops’ Accountability list. These individuals are forbidden to function as priests within the Diocese of Kalamazoo.
A Step Towards Healing and Prevention
The publication of this list is a significant step in the Diocese of Kalamazoo’s efforts to protect children and youth, as well as to promote healing for those who have been affected by abuse. By openly addressing these issues and taking concrete actions to prevent future abuse, the Diocese demonstrates its commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all within its community.
