"We commit ourselves to do all we can to heal the trauma that victims/survivors and their families are suffering and the wound that the whole Church is experiencing." - Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
"This type of program is an important pastoral response to the issues of abuse and neglect in our society. We will implement this program immediately because it is the right thing to do." - Bishop James Murray, Diocese of Kalamazoo
The Catholic bishops of the United States have made a solemn commitment to the protection of children and young adults, and to the healing of the effects of trauma to victims/survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.
The first obligation of the Church with regard to the victims is healing and reconciliation.
Dioceses have responded to the needs of victims/survivors and their families with a commitment to their spiritual and emotional well-being. In cooperation with social service agencies and other churches, support groups for victims/survivors and others affected by abuse have been established and encouraged in every diocese.