Bishop Weisenburger: Great strides by USCCB in Baltimore

The USCCB meeting exceeded my expectations. We overwhelmingly approved three crucial documents which will guide the Church forward in relation to bishop accountability.

One of the documents is basically unchanged from what we considered at our November meeting, but two of the documents evolved considerably after we received the Holy Father's recent document on this issue for the Universal Church.

One of our three documents reaffirms our commitment to maintain the same high stands set for priests, deacons, lay employees and volunteers. A second document consists of directives that deal with reporting complaints about bishops (note:complaints about bishops are restricted to allegations of sexual misconduct on their part, or intentional mishandling of cases involving allegations against others under their supervision). A third consists of protocols for bishops who resign or are removed from office due to sexual abuse or intentional mishandling of claims. We also voted to establish an independent, national reporting center to facilitate calls. None of these structures replace police reporting, which is already mandated throughout the United States. Also, lay involvement in the investigation of complaints against bishops was strongly embraced by the bishops.

I think we're taking a huge step forward in responding to crimes within the Church as well as setting a good example for other churches and organizations to follow. Please keep victims first and foremost in your prayers. But please also lift up your bishops who need your prayerful assistance to lead as we have been called.