The Diocese of Greensburg and dioceses across the country have taken numerous actions to protect children from harm by anyone in church ministry.
Actions taken in 2002 by the diocese were a continuation of the proactive commitment the Diocese of Greensburg had taken for decades prior to protect children and young people from sexual abuse by anyone connected to the Catholic Church.
Under the leadership of the late Bishop William G. Connare, the diocese promulgated its first written policy on clergy sexual misconduct decades ago in April 1985.
In September 1994, a new, more detailed policy on clergy sexual misconduct was promulgated by Bishop Emeritus Anthony G. Bosco. With that policy, the diocese established a clergy sexual misconduct review board.
Immediately after the scandal broke, the diocesan policy was revised in February 2002. As part of the revisions, the diocese established a Pastoral Care Team of diocesan representatives and a mental health professional to offer guidance and support to families, parishes or church institutions affected by allegations of sexual misconduct by a priest.
The diocese’s “zero tolerance” policy went into effect in 2002.
Also in 2002, all diocesan priests were required to comply with Pennsylvania Acts 33 and 34 (the criminal record and child abuse background checks). If a priest from another state receives permission to minister in the diocese, he is required to complete and submit an FBI Fingerprint Form FD-258 before beginning ministry.
A minor protection policy was established in the diocese in September 2003 for all church employees and volunteers who are in contact with minors. That policy, in part, requires all employees and volunteers to comply with Pennsylvania Acts 33 and 34. The parishes are required to keep the clearances on file.
At that time the VIRTUS program, “Protecting God’s Children” was implemented. VIRTUS, developed by the National Catholic Risk Retention Group Inc., is required of all clergy as well as employees and volunteers who have contact with children and young adults.
Since 2003, the diocese has been audited annually by the Gavin Group to ensure compliance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.”
The diocese has been found to be in compliance with the charter in every audit.