Feb. 2, 2004

Pastoral Letter from Bishop David Ricken, DD, JCL

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the past two years, Catholics in the United States have been very saddened and shocked by reports of sexual abuse of children by clergy. A flood of emotions has swept over us as we have heard heart wrenching stories of abuse and also a lack of appropriate, swift and compassionate dealing with this situation, especially in regard to the victims.

The Bishops of the United States have ordered two studies to be done. The first was the “Compliance Audit,” which was completed at the end of 2003. An independent auditing firm, the Gavin Group, very carefully audited every diocese in the United States. The Diocese of Cheyenne was given a “compliance” rating for our implementation of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” in 2002. You can see from June 2002 to June 2003 the results of the audit in this issue of the Wyoming Catholic Register. The second study is a very long term study of the Church done by the John Jay Institute of Criminology and covers the years 1950-2002.

In both of these studies, the Diocese of Cheyenne has cooperated fully and completely. As the pastoral leader of our Diocese, I have decided to give you a full, up-to-date report of the facts in the Diocese of Cheyenne with regard to this problem dating from 1950 until Dec. 31, 2003. In my estimation, even one of these abuses is one too many. Unfortunately, we have had several in our Diocese over the past 53 years. I want to share with you now the number of accusations as well as the number of priests involved.

Please keep in mind this is over a 53 year period. From 1950 until Dec. 31, 2003, there have been 19 allegations of sexual misconduct by priests involving minors brought to the attention of the Diocese of Cheyenne.

Fourteen of these allegations have been considered credible and five have proven to be without foundation. The 14 credible allegations were lodged against nine priests in those 53 years. Seven of those priests were diocesan and two were from religious orders.

When required, the names of priests have been turned over to civil authorities. The priests involved have either resigned from the priesthood, have been laicized, are no longer in active ministry or they are deceased.

Nearly all of the allegations reportedly occurred prior to 1990. Three occurred in the 1950s, three in the 1960s, four in the 1970s, three in the 1980s, zero in the 1990s and one in 2003. There is no priest in the ministry today in the Diocese of Cheyenne who has had credible allegations made against him.

In several ways, the Diocese of Cheyenne has been proactive in dealing with these situations. In 1994, the Diocese published its first sexual misconduct policy and has updated that policy as recently as December 2003.

The Diocese ordered background checks to be done for all of our clergy, employees and for those volunteers who have regular contact with children, the elderly or with finances.

Over 4,000 background checks have been completed to date. Presented by teleconference in 2003, a Boundaries Workshop was required of all personnel having access to children.

We have instituted, as a result of the audit, a Safe Environment Program. This Safe Environment Program was presented to primary, intermediate, junior high and high school students who attend Catholic schools and religious education programs. We are moving now into the next phase, a training process for the clergy, teachers, diocesan and parish staff, and volunteers in each parish throughout the Diocese. In addition, an information form for reporting child abuse is located in this issue of the Wyoming Catholic Register and the form is on the diocesan website www.dioceseofcheyenne.org.

I know that some of you have questions about the amount of money that might have been expended by the Diocese in relation to sexual abuse. In the question and answer format, next to this column, you will find specific answers to these concerns.

Some time ago, I promised you transparency in our communications regarding allegations of sexual abuse. I have kept that promise while respecting the rights of victims and the accused and the integrity of our investigative process. The two principal means of communicating with you are the Wyoming Catholic Register and your parish bulletins. I believe you should hear the good and the bad news first from us.

I apologize to all those who have been victimized, either directly or indirectly, by priests who have abused children. I am very aware of the devastation that has been wrought by this terrible problem – for victims, for priests, and for all Catholics. I remain committed to healing these wounds and to do whatever is necessary to see that this does not happen again. As we move forward, I hope to maintain openness with you. My prayer for the victims is that they will receive healing to move from victimhood to victory, that Jesus, the healer, will heal every wound.

I ask you to continue to pray for the priests who serve this Diocese so faithfully. You know them as holy, healthy men who minister with dedication and commitment. We need them now, more than ever, to continue this vital work. I also ask you to pray with me that we will find the wisdom and strength to carry out the mission entrusted to us by Christ with love, humility and mercy.

May God bless you and your families.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend David L. Ricken,DD, JCL
Bishop of Cheyenne