Nov. 18, 2015

Although many in the North Country may not have seen the movie Spotlight, it has gained considerable interest and attention. This movie is the recounting of the team of investigative reporters at the Boston Globe who broke the Catholic Church’s clergy sex abuse story in January, 2002, mainly concerning the Archdiocese of Boston. While such a movie could be a “Church-bashing” film, it is not.

Bishop LaValley stated that any vehicle, such as this movie, that can raise the awareness of the crime of sexual abuse of minors serves a worthy purpose.

The response of the Church to these horrific crimes has been multi-layered.  Many changes implemented in the last 13 years have helped to make the Church today a leader in the fight against abuse.

In the Diocese of Ogdensburg, steps taken include:
• Zero-tolerance policy, permanently removing from ministry cleric who sexually abused a minor at any time
• Mandatory background checks on adults who interact with children
•Safe environment policies preventing opportunities for abuse
• Safety training for both adults and children
• Independent audits to assure that the diocese remains in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

Our Church provides assistance to victims and their families who were sexually abused as minors by clergy.  Such vigilance is vital to honoring the victims, preventing further abuse and opposing such abuse in any form.