Betrayal of trust and abuse of power have caused enormous pain to children, their families, and communities. In 2002, the Catholic Bishops of the United States met in Dallas and developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that outlined a strict zero tolerance policy for anyone who might abuse a child. A monumental change in the way the Church would respond to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by its priests and other ministers took hold in the promulgation of what has come to be known as the Dallas Charter.
As Augustinians, our response as a religious order in the Church is clear and consistent: we abide by the regulations of the Charter and do our utmost to ensure that sexual abuse of minors does not take place in our communities and ministries. We immediately support victims of sexual abuse when we become aware of them.
The Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) chose to implement the Dallas Charter in a distinctive way, sensitive to the charisms of religious life and the fraternal care that is a hallmark of religious communities. Out of this response came the decision to seek accreditation for policies and practices of male religious groups regarding issues of sexual abuse of minors.
Praesidium, a risk-management group based in Austin, was hired to perform this accreditation throughout the United States.
The Saint Thomas of Villanova Province accreditation visitation took place in the fall of 2009. On May 18, 2010, the Villanova Province was formally accredited by Praesidium as meeting CMSM's established criteria regarding the prevention of and response to sexual abuse of minors by members. We worked diligently toward this accreditation, and we strive to meet the objectives set forth by the standards on a daily basis. We intend that our careful attention to the details of the requirements will permit our re-accreditation in three years.
Sadly, sexual misconduct remains an issue in our Church and society. We see the devastating effects on victims of abuse and their families on a daily basis. We continue to pledge our pastoral presence, care and concern.
The Saint Thomas of Villanova Province is committed to providing a safe environment for all minors who come in contact with our communities or ministries. We also remain committed to a pastoral response to any instances of sexual misconduct or abuse. The Province will continue to strive to be transparent in its policies and procedures, to acknowledge where we have failed, and to continue our good works and ministries in the communities where we serve.