Diocese of Toledo

Frequently Asked Questions about Clergy Sexual Abuse

What was the Diocese of Toledo’s procedure in the past when handling allegations of sexual abuse of minors?

In 1988 the Diocese of Toledo established a set of procedures to be followed when allegations of abuse were made. These procedures were updated in 1995 and again on February 13, 2004. Procedures have called for an investigation by the Diocese of the allegations, reporting allegations to civil authorities, and providing counseling and assistance to the alleged victims.

What is the impact of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ meeting in Dallas in June 2002?

The Diocese of Toledo has revised its policies on sexual abuse to bring them into full conformity with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People & Essential Norms, which were adopted by the U.S. Bishops in Dallas and ratified by the Holy See as particular law for the Church in the United States. The Charter & Norms identify further ways in which all U.S. Bishops are to provide outreach to victims, respond more effectively to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, prevent future acts from occurring, and hold themselves accountable to the members of the church for this effort.

What is the church doing for the alleged victims?

When the Diocese learns of allegations, an immediate attempt is made to meet with the alleged victims and their families, to listen with patience and compassion to their experiences and concerns, and to show solidarity with them. Counseling is offered in the hope of promoting healing and reconciliation.

Since the scandal in 2002, has anyone from the Diocese met with alleged victims of sexual abuse?

Every alleged victim was invited to a pastoral meeting with representatives of the Diocese. Either Bishop James Hoffman, Bishop Robert Donnelly or the Diocesan Chancellor, Father Michael Billian, met with those alleged victims who accepted their invitation.

What should I do if I am a victim of sexual abuse by someone who works for the church, or if I know or suspect that a minor has been sexually abused?

To report any suspected or actual sexual abuse of a minor by Diocesan personnel, immediate contact should be made with local civil authorities, and with the Toledo Diocesan Case Manager, Mr. Frank DiLallo. He can be reached at 419-243-2150 (private line) or 419-244-6711, extension 632 in the Toledo calling area, or 1-800-926-8277, extension 632 (within Ohio) outside the Toledo area.

Why are these allegations now becoming public?

Very often in the past neither victims nor church authorities wanted publicity regarding what happened. In light of recent events this is now changing. Also, as a result of national coverage of child sexual abuse by clergy, some victims have come forward who previously remained silent. In some cases, the Diocese of Toledo only learned of alleged abuse as a result of lawsuits being filed.

What is the source of the funds that have been disbursed as a result of sexual abuse of minors by clergy?

The expenses incurred over time as a result of sexual abuse of minors have been paid from the Diocesan Insurance Fund. No money has been used for this purpose from any collections or appeals, such as the One Faith … Many Blessings Campaign or the Annual Catholic Appeal.

What is the Diocese of Toledo doing to prevent the sexual abuse of minors by church personnel in the future?

The diocese has established a "safe environment" program designed to prevent abuse by educating our children, parents, clergy, lay employees and volunteers. It has been the diocesan policy that all clergy, lay employees, deacons, teachers and volunteers with unsupervised access to minors be fingerprinted and undergo criminal background checks. Additionally, any church personnel, including clergy, who have regular contact with minors must complete the Protecting Youth and Those Who Serve Them workshop and be re-certified in it on a regular basis. This program teaches church personnel, parents and volunteers ways to avoid situations that could lead to sexual abuse as well as to recognize the warning signs of a perpetrator. All priests, deacons, pastoral ministers, administrators, staff and volunteers must also adhere to the Diocese of Toledo Code of Pastoral Conduct. All candidates in priestly formation also undergo screening and evaluations before being ordained.

How does the Diocese of Toledo respond to allegations of sexual abuse of minors by church personnel?

In accordance with Ohio law, when an allegation of child sexual abuse involving a minor is made known to the Diocesan Case Manager, it is immediately reported to the civil authorities, including the Child Protection Agency. The Diocesan Case Manager notifies the Bishop and assigns a member of the Diocesan Investigatory Team to the case. An investigator is appointed within 48 hours and the investigation is coordinated with civil authorities in compliance with Ohio law. The case is submitted to the Diocesan Review Board, which makes a recommendation to the Bishop for further action.

Who are the members of the Diocesan Review Board?

An eight member review board was established in November 2002 to receive the results of investigations and to make recommendations for further action to the Bishop. The Board is comprised of one priest and a diverse group of lay persons, including a retired city manager, attorney, pediatrician, clinical psychologist, a victim of clergy sexual abuse, and two parent/community volunteers.

What will happen to a member of the clergy who is accused of sexual misconduct?

When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy is made, the diocese reports the allegation to the public authorities. A preliminary investigation by the diocese is initiated as to whether the accusation is credible. Clergy against whom a credible allegation has been made are removed from public ministry as a precautionary measure, pending the final outcome of their case as determined by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. The alleged offender may be asked to seek, or urged voluntarily to comply with an appropriate medical and psychological evaluation. Additionally, no priest or deacon who has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor may be transferred for ministerial assignment to another diocese. "When even a single act of sexual abuse by a priest or deacon is admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord with Canon Law, the offending priest or deacon will be removed permanently from ecclesiastical ministry, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state, if the case so warrants" (Essential Norms, no. 8). If the accusation is proved to be unfounded, every step possible will be taken to restore the good name of the accused.