Bishop Burbidge

Message on the 15th Anniversary of the Child Protection Charter

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge

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Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ, 

This June marks the fifteenth anniversary of the implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Since 2002, the Charter has ensured a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy as well as guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and actions to assist in preventing future acts of abuse. 

For the past fifteen years, the Diocese of Arlington has worked to implement the Charter by building upon our prior efforts to ensure a culture of protection and healing for our children and the victim/survivors of child sexual abuse. The Offices for the Protection of Children and Young People and Victim Assistance continue this necessary work of protection and healing.

As my brother bishops and I gather for our Plenary Assembly in Indianapolis, we have chosen to have a Day of Prayer and Penance Mass. I will be remembering all victim/survivors, most especially those in our Diocese, during this Mass which will occur on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral at 5 p.m. I ask you to join us in prayer and action so that together we will continue to protect and safeguard all children from any form of neglect or abuse.

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