Beloved Members of our Christ-Loving Diocese: Reverend Clergy, Deacons, Parish Councils, Servants,
faithful- young and old- I greet you in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, wishing you all
blessings.
The Church is the House of God and of His Angels. The role of the Church is to lead her children to the
Kingdom of God, living it here on earth and then for eternity. Fundamental to our roles as the members of
the Body of Christ is the protection of our children and ensuring their spiritual, emotional, physical and
mental well-being. This is not negotiable.
The Church and this Diocese lament the sins of sexual misconduct, and will not tolerate sexual misconduct
by any- clergy and laity. Sexual misconduct includes many sins and includes misconduct at all ages, none
more heartbreaking than the abuse of minors and children who are the most innocent and helpless of all. All
acts of sexual misconduct are strictly condemned.
I have directed the Diocesan Legal Affairs Committee to prepare an official Sexual Misconduct Policy. The
Committee will present a policy that is comprehensive, abides by the laws of the United States and the
States of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana and will be made public and shared throughout the diocese. The
policy will include a carefully planned procedure designed to ensure that allegations of sexual misconduct by
clergy and others with roles in the church are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and adjudicated justly.
In cases where the charge involves a minor, we take very seriously the legal requirements to cooperate with
applicable civil authorities in investigating these issues, in compliance with Civil and Canon laws. From this
date until the approval of the new policy, the policy enacted by the Diocese of Los Angeles on March 5, 2013
shall be in effect.
This policy is not reactive to allegations, but seeks to prevent all forms of sexual misconduct. The document
will include mandatory requirements for training and background screenings of all who interact with our
children- as is the requirement at schools and churches throughout the United States. This training will
include all clergy, servants, Sunday School teachers, church employees, volunteers and all who may interact
with children. The training will not stop with issues of the abuse of minors, but will include all types of sexual
misconduct and harassment.
A dedicated Review Board will be entrusted with the investigation of claims of sexual misconduct and will
include clergy, female and male lay members, legal counsel, mental health counselors and social workers
who are empowered to conduct investigations and are properly and professionally qualified to ensure that
the policy and safeguards are followed.
We will also enact an official Diocesan policy on the standards for priestly ordination, background checks
and guidelines for visiting clergy.
Finally, and of critical importance- the Diocese is committed to establishing a strong support system for
victims of sexual misconduct to seek both professional and spiritual guidance. We stand committed to
supporting survivors through the healing process and to ensure that our policies both prevent any abuse and
when there are violations to ensure proper accountability.
Children are a gift from God. Our Lord puts children as an example for how to enter into the Kingdom of
Heaven (MT 18:3). Our Lord warns anyone who harms a child with grave consequences (MT 18:6). Let us all
strive to ensure that these innocent and pure children always find the Church as their haven of safety and
salvation and let all strive to live according to the calling with which we are called.
+SARAPHIM
Bishop of Ohio, Michigan and Indiana
