Protecting Our Children

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will . . . have the light of life.”—John 8:12

Working Together To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Keeping Ministerial Relationships Healthy & Holy

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Sexual misconduct by clergy, church personnel, church leaders and volunteers is contrary to Christian morals, doctrine and Canon Law. It is never acceptable.

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 the pamphlet Working Together To Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Keeping Ministrerial Realtionships Healthy & Holy (Spanish and English) 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,

His Eminence
Cardinal Roger Mahony
Archbishop of Los Angeles

Victims Assistance Ministry

Support Groups

Contact Us

Ms. Joan Vienna, Coordinator
Office of Safeguard the Children
Archdicoese of Los Angeles
jvienna@la-archdiocese.org
213 637 7227 phone

Ms. Suzanne D. Healy, Coordinator
Victims Assistance Ministry Office
SDHealy@la-archdiocese.org
213 637 7650 phone
213 637 6650 fax

Helpful Links

Download Materials

Other resources and reports are available through the Media Relations Department.

About PDF Files

PDF files require Adobe Reader to view or print. If you do not have this software installed on your computer, you may download it for free by clicking on the link below.