Bishop Tod Brown Expresses Sadness and Concern for Victims and the Faithful Upon Learning of the Arrest of Former Priest, John Lenihan.News Editors/City Desks/Religion Writers ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2003 Upon having learned of the filing of criminal charges against John Lenihan and the subsequent arrest, Bishop Tod Brown renewed the intention of the Diocese of Orange to cooperate with law enforcement and the District Attorney's Office. In 2001, Bishop Brown removed Lenihan from ministry and required that he leave the priesthood priesthood Office of a spiritual leader expert in the ceremonies of worship and the performance of religious rituals. Though chieftains, kings, and heads of households have sometimes performed priestly functions, in most civilizations the priesthood is a specialized office. and seek laicization from the Vatican. In 2002, the Pope granted the petition for laicization. He has not been allowed to function as a priest since his removal as a pastor in September 2001. Lenihan will never be allowed to function as a priest. "We support the criminal justice and law enforcement efforts on behalf of victims of abuse," said Bishop Brown. "It is heart wrenching that a priest may have engaged in such grave misconduct MISCONDUCT. Unlawful behaviour by a person entrusted in any degree: with the administration of justice, by which the rights of the parties and the justice of the, case may have been affected. 2. warranting criminal charges and an arrest. It is our sincere hope that the system of justice will be upheld. "We remain saddened by the pain caused to victims/survivors; the Catholic community in Orange; and the good and faithful clergy who remain faithful to their commitment and calling to serve God's people. We renew our promises of a safe environment for youth and young people; outreach to victims/survivors; appropriate response to allegations of sexual misconduct sexual misconduct Professional ethics Any behavior that violates a health professional's ethics through sexual contact of physician and his/her Pt. See Professional boundaries. with minors; and compliance with civil and Canon law canon law, in the Roman Catholic Church, the body of law based on the legislation of the councils (both ecumenical and local) and the popes, as well as the bishops (for diocesan matters). ." One year ago, Bishop Brown expressed his apology to two women who came forward with their reports of victimization victimization Social medicine The abuse of the disenfranchised–eg, those underage, elderly, ♀, mentally retarded, illegal aliens, or other, by coercing them into illegal activities–eg, drug trade, pornography, prostitution. by Lenihan. Bishop Brown has repeatedly expressed his sincere apology to all victims of sexual abuse by clergy. That apology is once again expressed today for the pain caused by the abuse, as well as the pain that may be renewed from this arrest and ongoing publicity. The Diocese of Orange currently sponsors an Assistance Ministry program specifically to minister to those parties and families of parties who have made a complaint of sexual misconduct against clergy, religious and lay personnel assigned in the diocese. The Assistance Ministry Coordinator, a licensed mental health professional, is available to assist those who come forward with complaints of sexual misconduct, to ensure that the process of investigation and review of such complaints is initiated, to offer pastoral assistance to alleged and proven victims of abuse and to manage the ongoing care offered to them. A Victims Support Group will begin on March 28 for all who have been abused by clergy or church personnel. Information regarding the group can be obtained through the reporting line 800/364-3064. In an effort to prevent abuse, the diocese continues its work to sponsor educational and awareness programs for the faithful and the clergy. The text of an awareness pamphlet pamphlet, short unbound or paper-bound book of from 64 to 96 pages. The pamphlet gained popularity as an instrument of religious or political controversy, giving the author and reader full benefit of freedom of the press. , "Respecting the Boundaries: Keeping Ministerial Done under the direction of a supervisor; not involving discretion or policymaking. Ministerial describes an act or a function that conforms to an instruction or a prescribed procedure. It connotes obedience. Relationships Healthy and Holy," is displayed on the Web site. This pamphlet, now printed in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, was provided to the people of the diocese in their respective parishes last April and is available in all parishes. "Respecting Ministerial Boundaries" seminars will continue to be presented to clergy, religious and lay personnel in the Diocese of Orange. Representatives from the diocesan di·oc·e·san adj. Of or relating to a diocese. n. The bishop of a diocese. diocesan Adjective of or relating to a diocese Noun 1. Departments of Catholic Schools, Religious Education and Human Resources The fancy word for "people." The human resources department within an organization, years ago known as the "personnel department," manages the administrative aspects of the employees. are working with the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children -- California Branch (NCMEC NCMEC National Center for Missing & Exploited Children NCMEC National Concrete and Masonry Engineering Conference ) to present child safety programs in parish schools and religious education classes. The diocesan Sexual Misconduct Oversight and Review Board is nearing the completion of its formation stage and is available to ensure that diocesan policies and procedures Policies and Procedures are a set of documents that describe an organization's policies for operation and the procedures necessary to fulfill the policies. They are often initiated because of some external requirement, such as environmental compliance or other governmental against sexual misconduct remain in place and enforced. The diocesan Web site, www.rcbo.org, now provides a complete explanation of the manner in which to report allegations of sexual misconduct by clergy, religious and lay personnel assigned in the Diocese of Orange. A toll-free and confidential telephone report line, 800/364-3064, has been made available for reports. |
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