SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS: A PUBLIC RESPONSE BY HOLY NAME PROVINCE
 

The Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province know of the profound suffering and harm which incidents of sexual abuse of minors by some priests and members of religious orders have caused innocent people and the Church community at large. As brothers to all and as ministers within the Church, we must work to ensure the safety of all the people we serve, especially the safety of children. In regards to the sexual abuse of minors, we know and affirm that:

• Sexual abuse of a minor (under 18 years of age) by a friar is contrary to our vowed life and our profession to live the Gospel. Holy Name Province will not tolerate or excuse the sexual abuse of a minor by a friar of our Province.
• Sexual abuse of a minor by a friar is a crime. Holy Name Province will cooperate fully with civil authorities and will report to these authorities all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor that are brought against a friar of our Province.
• Sexual abuse of a minor by a friar is a misuse of power and a violation of trust, and excludes a friar from functioning as a public minister. Holy Name Province will cooperate fully with all local dioceses and will make full disclosure of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by a friar of the Province to the local dioceses in which friars of the Province work. When it is established that a friar is guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, Holy Name Province will not request permission from a local bishop for this friar to function as a priest or as a public minister.