|
(March 8, 2007) Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Statement from the
Diocese of Palm Beach
Today’s anniversary of the resignation of Bishop Anthony J.
O’Connell from the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach amid allegations
of sex abuse that happened well before his assignment in Palm Beach,
may again bring to mind the horror of child sex abuse suffered by
some in the Catholic Church.
The
Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach maintains that all children should be
protected from the evil of abuse of any kind. The sex abuse scandal
that erupted in the Catholic Church put greater emphasis on the
proactive ways to guard the safety and protection of children in the
care of the Catholic Church. Well before the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops established the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, the Diocese of Palm
Beach had a commitment to the safety of children and young people
which remains paramount.
The
Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach urges anyone who has been a victim to
come forward to begin pastoral, spiritual and emotional healing. The
Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach is committed to supporting victims of
abuse, maintaining safe environments as well as cooperating with
civil authorities with regard to abuse cases. To view the Charter in
its entirety and for more information regarding Diocesan policies
and procedures for reporting sexual abuse please visit
www.diocesepb.org.
Bishop O’Connell was removed from active ministry in 2002 and
currently resides outside the state of Florida in a monitored
environment.
CDPB
Serving the People of God in the counties of
Indian River • Okeechobee • St. Lucie
• Martin & Palm Beach |
