Bishop's Personal Statement on Pedophilia

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 2/28/02)

The Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, has issued the following personal statement on the matter of pedophilia:

I consider pedophilia, whether by a priest or by any other person, to be a very serious matter which can victimize not only children and their families, but also the larger community and even the alleged alleged perpetrator.

The Diocese of Arlington does not condone such practices, and has actively sought to protect children involved in church activities from any harm through the promulgation and enforcement of stringent polices which require those persons with ready access to children to undergo background checks and to attend detailed educational seminars on promptly recognizing and openly reporting sexual misconduct and child abuse. independently to both governmental and Church officials for appropriate and coordinated investigation and resolution.adjudication and sanctions

Whenever an allegation of this nature should arise, it is important that we, as the Church, address the difficult issues with Christian care, concern and appropriate confidentiality for the child, the family and the alleged perpetrator, and to also offer appropriate medical, psychological and spiritual assistance to the victims of pedophilia.

Finally, it is vitally important for all of us to recognize that the problem of pedophilia is not just an issue for the Catholic Church, but for many other institutions and professions. We must should also recognize the tremendous amount of good which is done by the hundreds of dedicated priests, deacons and other religious in the Diocese of Arlington, and I give thanks every day for the blessing which they bring to our community and this world.

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