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 Note:
The following is a reprint of a brochure, "Respecting the
Boundaries," that has been developed by the Archdiocese of
Los Angeles, as part of its effort to educate parishioners
about the problem of sexual abuse. It will be distributed
in English and Spanish to parishes and schools in the Archdiocese
of Los Angeles.
The brochure is also available on the Archdiocesan Web site,
www.la-archdiocese.org/english/dept/Assist/brochure.htm.
Introduction from the Cardinal
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God gifted humans with gender and sexuality, making us male
and female and saw that this was good. The Bible teaches that
any good gift from God can become twisted or corrupted and
may cause injury and offend human dignity.
Together we are called to minister to all of God's people
and show special tenderness and care for those who are vulnerable.
We as the Church strive to create a worship, educational and
work environment where all persons treat each other with dignity,
charity and respect.
Sexual misconduct by clergy, church personnel, church leaders
and volunteers is contrary to Christian morals, doctrine and
canon law. It is never acceptable. We recognize that sexual
misconduct may have devastating consequences for the victims
and their families, for the Church community, and for the
transgressor. While this subject is troubling and distasteful
to all of us, basic information about sexual misconduct in
the ministerial setting is needed in order to protect the
vulnerable and assure the integrity of ministerial relationships.
The Archdiocese makes this pamphlet available to its parents,
teachers, lay and ordained parish ministers, and parishioners
at large as part of its effort to ensure the integrity of
its ministries. It also endeavors to explain how issues of
sexual misconduct are addressed within our Church and to give
information on where to seek assistance and how to respond
most effectively in situations where sexual misconduct has
occurred. With the wisdom that comes from the Spirit, let
us work together to respect ministerial boundaries and keep
ministerial relationships healthy and holy.
Yours in Christ,
Cardinal Roger Mahony
Archbishop of Los Angeles
Defining the Problem:
Sexual Misconduct Arising in a Ministerial Relationship
Q. What constitutes a "ministerial relationship"?
A. This is a relationship in which a person is receiving
pastoral care from a church leader.
Whenever a person begins a relationship with any person
in his or her capacity as a church official or leader, a ministerial
relationship is created. This applies to:
- Clergy (bishops, priests and deacons)
- Members of religious communities (priests, brothers, sisters)
- Lay ministers, lay pastoral associates, youth ministers,
liturgical ministers
- Spiritual directors and pastoral counselors
- School personnel
- Seminary faculty, staff and administrators
- Religious education teachers, church camp counselors,
choir directors, etc.
The Nature of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is a general term that includes sexual
harassment, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
More specifically:
Q. What is sexual misconduct arising from the ministerial
relationship?
A. While ministry is never about sexual contact,
sexualized contact or sexualized behavior may arise within
a ministerial relationship. In our Catholic faith, this is
never acceptable in a pastoral relationship with a parishioner,
employee, student, spiritual directee, counseling client,
or anyone who has sought the church's ministry.
Q. What is sexual harassment?
A. Sexual harassment is unwanted sexualized conduct
or language between co-workers in the church setting. Although
difficult to define precisely, sexual harassment may include
but is not limited to the following:
- Making unsolicited sexual advances and propositions.
- Using sexually degrading words to describe an individual
or an individual's body.
- Telling inappropriate or sexually related jokes.
- Retaliating against the co-worker who refuses sexual advances.
- Offering favors or employment benefits, such as promotions,
favorable performance evaluations, favorably assigned duties
or shifts, recommendations, etc. in exchange for sexual favors.
Q. What is sexual exploitation?
A. Sexual exploitation is the sexual contact between
a church leader and a person who is receiving pastoral care
from the church leader.
 Q.
What is sexual abuse?
A. Sexual abuse is sexual contact between a church
leader and a minor or a "vulnerable adult" as defined by law.
Either sexual exploitation or sexual abuse can include physical
contact from the church leader such as:
- Sexual touch or other intrusive touching (i.e., tickling,
wrestling or other physical contact) that causes uneasiness
or discomfort in the one touched
- An inappropriate gift (such as lingerie)
- A prolonged hug when a brief hug is customary
behavior
- Kissing on the lips when a kiss on the cheek would be
appropriate
- Showing sexually suggestive objects or pornography
- Sexual intercourse, anal or oral sex.
Sexual exploitation or sexual abuse can also include verbal
behavior such as:
- Innuendo or sexual talk
- Suggestive comments
- Tales of sexual exploits, experiences or conflicts
- Making sexual propositions
Q. What factors might lead to sexual misconduct in
a ministerial setting?
A. It is a common dynamic in ministry for some to
feel attracted to those in church leadership positions, or
to feel flattered by his or her attention. This never excuses
any form of sexual misconduct. Clergy or other church leaders
who engage in any form of sexual misconduct are violating
the ministerial relationship, misusing their authority and
power, and are taking advantage of the vulnerability of those
who are seeking spiritual guidance.
Because of the respect and even reverence with which many
people seek help from the Church's ministers, there is an
imbalance of power and hence a vulnerability inherent in the
ministerial relationship. In these circumstances there is
an absence of meaningful consent to any sexual activity, even
if the person is an adult. This imbalance of power makes it
never okay. It is the responsibility of the Church leader
to maintain appropriate emotional and sexual boundaries with
those with whom they work or serve.
Q. What impact could ministerial sexual misconduct
have on its victims?
A. Victims of ministerial sexual misconduct frequently
feel deep shame or self-condemnation. They may fear not being
believed or fear being blamed by Church officials or members.
Many times they may not even realize that the way they were
treated was abusive. Sadly, victims can experience a crisis
of faith and even leave the Church altogether.
Response to Complaints of Sexual Misconduct
Q. How are complaints or allegations of sexual misconduct
handled by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles?
 A.
The Archdiocese treats all complaints of sexual misconduct
seriously and deals with such allegations in a prompt, confidential
and thorough manner with compassion and consideration for
all those involved.
- A complaint against an Archdiocesan priest or deacon,
Catholic school personnel, or other Archdiocesan employee
may be initiated in writing or by telephoning the Assistance
Ministry Coordinator at (800) 355-2545.
- Complaints against religious order priests or women religious
are made to their own religious superior. The Archdiocesan
Assistance Ministry Coordinator is able to assist directing
such a complaint to the proper authority.
- Complaints against parish employees or volunteers may
be directed to the pastor or associate pastor of the parish
in question.
Q. How will the Archdiocese handle sexual exploitation
or sexual abuse complaints if lodged against a member of the
clergy (i.e., bishops, priests or deacons)?
A. When a member of the clergy is accused, a team
(including the Assistance Ministry Coordinator, the Vicar
for the Clergy, and a special fact-finder known as an Auditor)
respond promptly to the complaint. In dealing with these,
the Archdiocese will:
- Make every effort to act in a way that protects people
from being harmed, including relieving an accused priest or
deacon from ministerial duties if there is sufficient evidence
to support the allegations.
- Comply with all civil reporting mandates governing sexual
abuse.
- Strive impartially to determine the facts and circumstances
as accurately as possible.
- Offer victims and their families assistance in obtaining
psychological counseling and spiritual direction.
- Deal as openly as possible with members of the parish
community while respecting the privacy of the individuals
involved and in accordance with Church law governing such
situations.
Preventing Sexual Misconduct
Q. What is being done to prevent sexual misconduct
in the Church?
A. Every effort is made to assure that all persons
ministering in the Archdiocese are aware of and will abide
by the policies prohibiting sexual harassment, exploitation
or abuse, and of the procedures for dealing with incidents
of sexual misconduct.
School personnel are screened for their ability to work
safely with children, are provided information to help recognize
and deal with issues of child sexual abuse, and are offered
guidance and instruction on appropriate professional conduct
with students.
All seminarians and candidates for the diaconate go through
an extensive evaluation and psychological assessment before
entering formation. After ordination, priests and deacons
receive ongoing training on maintaining the integrity of the
ministerial relationship.
 Every
person has the right to be respected and treated with the
dignity befitting a child of God. Every person has the right
to having appropriate boundaries respected. Every person has
the right to challenge any behavior or comment that is offensive
or inappropriate. It is the responsibility of everyone to
protect the safety of children, families, women and men, and
to promote healing where there is injury with firm justice
and mercy towards all.
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