The numbers released in the John Jay study are horrific; it is a sad day for the Catholic Church.

The findings and recommendations in the National Review Board report are cogent and shed light, light that we can use to guide our path as we work to insure that this never happens again.

Though the statistics for the Diocese of Tulsa, which we released last week, are low compared to national figures, even one case of child abuse is too many. We must be ever vigilant and acknowledge that we never finish protecting our children from these immoral and illegal acts.

I take heart in the fact that the bishops of the United States have cooperated with these studies, 98% of dioceses sent in their surveys, and the fact that 90% of dioceses are in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People as announced in January 2004. We bishops are serious about providing a safe environment for children, about cooperating with the civil authorities, about reaching out to victims and their families, and about insuring that we and our seminaries provide proper formation and education to young men seeking to become priests.

In the Diocese of Tulsa, this bishop has given his best efforts toward insuring that our children are safe in our churches, schools, and institutions. And I pledge that I will continue to undertake any task designed to show that there is no place in ministry for anyone who would harm a child.

On a very personal note, I would like to invite any victim who is suffering and has not yet made himself/herself known to contact me; I will listen to them and I will help them.

Child Abuse and Prevention Programs Home

Last updated April 26,2006.