Catholics in isles
review sex cases

The last local case was 9 years
ago, but a committee wants
to reassure the public

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By Mary Adamski
madamski@starbulletin.com

A local Catholic Church committee met yesterday in Honolulu to review procedures and analyze past cases involving complaints of sexual misconduct by priests.

The meeting was called by Honolulu Bishop Francis DiLorenzo "because of the overall climate on this issue," said diocesan spokesman Patrick Downes.

"Every diocese is re-examining itself in light of what's happening in Boston and elsewhere on the mainland. We want people to be reassured that we are not ignoring this."

Downes said there are no sexual misconduct accusations under investigation here. But the two lawyers, two psychologists and three priests on the Standing Committee on Sexual Misconduct did review four cases in which priests were removed from active ministry either because of sexual abuse of a minor or "danger of sexual misconduct," he said. The most recent local case was nine years ago, Downes said.

Widespread accusations about child-molesting priests have surfaced recently in the United States.

Much of the controversy has focused on Boston's Cardinal Bernard Law for failing to take action against a pedophile priest. Since the recent conviction of that priest, Boston church officials have given prosecutors the names of 80 priests suspected of abusing children in the past 40 years.

In another instance, the bishop of Palm Beach, Fla. resigned after admitting he molested a teenage seminarian.

Yesterday's meeting was called before Pope John Paul II addressed the subject Thursday in his annual message to priests worldwide. The pope said the church "shows her concern for the victims and strives to respond in truth and justice to each of these painful situations."

The priest who oversees matters concerning clergy in Hawaii said he does not want people to avoid or ignore the subject.

"We certainly want to encourage people of our parishes that if they have any concerns in this area, to make sure they contact a priest or the diocese office," said the Rev. Gary Secor, who was recently named vicar for clergy. "If someone brings up the topic, we want to talk about it. We aren't afraid of it.

"If people feel there is a case," Secor said, "they need to contact civil authorities. We are required by law to report it."

Secor said he has not heard much local comment on the mainland cases, but there can be indirect fallout on local clergymen.

"There are challenges priests face because people tend to associate us with those allegations. Most priests know it is the climate we're in. In general our priests continue to provide excellent service to the people of diocese."

The committee was created more than 10 years ago to address accusations of sexual misconduct or abuse by clergy, members of religious orders and lay employees.

The diocesan personnel policy handbook, which also covers lay people employed in various parishes and ministries, provides that when a specific complaint involving a minor arises, "whoever receives the complaint will immediately and in accordance with applicable law, notify appropriate law enforcement authorities and any public agencies having jurisdiction."

The handbook states that the bishop and other church officials and employees "will cooperate fully with the public authorities. Further action by the bishop will be guided, but not necessarily controlled, by the progress of the investigation of the public authorities."

Secor said the diocesan council of priests has discussed the possibility of holding in-service training on how to address complaints of sexual misconduct. The subject has been addressed in a past workshop from the priest's perspective as employer in a parish where he would oversee conduct of employees.