February 21, 2004
Contact: Joanne Ward
732-562-1990 ext. 1525
Email:  jward@diometuchen.org
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Later this week, you will be reading and hearing about the results of a survey on the causes and scope of the sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy in the United States . The survey, which has no counterpart in any other religious or secular institution, was commissioned by the National Review Board, recently established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and was conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. The survey was made of all dioceses in the United States and covers allegations of abuse received by dioceses since 1950. The Diocese of Metuchen fully cooperated with the requests of John Jay College.

The figures likely to result from a survey of nearly 200 dioceses and covering more than half a century will, at first glance, seem staggering and will no doubt be treated sensationally in many quarters. I recognize that they will also raise legitimate concerns and questions among the Catholic faithful, clergy and laity alike. In the spirit of transparency that I have tried to make a hallmark of our Diocese's handling of this important and complex issue, I want to share with you what the Diocese of Metuchen reported to the John Jay researchers.

The John Jay survey asked for information on all allegations of the abuse of minors by clergy, whether the allegation turned out to be credible, whether the credibility of an allegation could not be determined because of the death of the priest or the subsequent non-cooperation of the accuser, or whether it was determined that an allegation was unfounded. After examining the files of 990 clergy and seminarians who work or have worked in the Diocese of Metuchen, we reported a total of 29 allegations involving 18 priests and one deacon. (All information regarding the allegations was already given to the offices of the appropriate county prosecutors.)

The above figures can be broken down in the following way:

• In the cases of three priests of the Diocese involving eight allegations, the sexual abuse was admitted by the priest or determined in a court of law. One of the priests is deceased, one is in jail, and the third is not in ministry.

• A single allegation was made against a priest of the Diocese who was removed from ministry and subsequently left the priesthood.

• Two allegations were brought against a former priest of the Diocese; we understand his current diocese is taking appropriate action.

• Two allegations were brought against a priest of another diocese who was assigned to one of our parishes at the time of the alleged abuse, but was not working in the Diocese when the allegations were received. The priest is not in ministry.

• Single allegations were made against two priests of other dioceses working in the Diocese of Metuchen when the allegations were received. The priests were immediately removed from their assignments. One is not in ministry; the other left the country and his whereabouts are unknown.

• Single allegations were received against three priests who are deceased. Regrettably there was no opportunity to determine whether the allegations were credible.

• The Diocese is in the process of investigating eight allegations involving four priests and one deacon. None of the accused is in ministry.

• Finally, Diocesan and civil investigations concluded that three allegations involving three priests were unfounded.

In sum, 1.01% of the clergy who have worked in the Diocese of Metuchen since its establishment in 1981 have been the subject of allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor deemed to be credible by the Diocese and/or civil authorities.

The statistics given above and their context are not meant to minimize in any way the problem of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. One case of abuse is one case too many; at the same time, I believe it is important that the faithful of the Diocese be assured that sexual abuse by Catholic clergy is not a rampant problem, and that priests and deacons are no more likely to abuse children than other adults.

The abuse of children by clergy and other Church personnel has taken a terrible toll, first and foremost on victims, but also on the resources of the Church. Our Diocese has spent $795,000 in settlements and legal and medical fees associated with the above allegations. (This figure includes the Diocese's share of the previously announced $800,000 settlement reached in 2002 with ten claimants.) I believe we have taken real steps to address this problem—including more thorough reporting policies, the expansion of our own review board, and the institution of safe environment training and criminal background checks for all who are in regular contact with children—but we must continue to remain committed to eradicating the sexual abuse of children to the extent that this is humanly possible. These are, after all, not only our children; they are the children of God.

With the hope that this letter will help you to better understand the conclusions of the John Jay survey, and asking your continued prayers for our Diocese as we continue our efforts to respond with justice and mercy to perhaps the greatest challenge in our history, I remain

Sincerely in the Lord,

Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski

Bishop of Metuchen

 

 

Back to News