Sexual Abuse Awareness & Compliance

Over the last number of years the Diocese of Lansing has been in the forefront in facing and dealing in a proactive manner with the topic of sexual abuse of minors. The following links are to resources and documentation as to how the diocese is complying with the U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and our own policies and procedures:

Virtus Awareness Training
Since August, 2003, nearly 13,000 Diocese of Lansing priests, deacons, religious, professional staff and volunteers from our 95 parishes, 39 schools and other agenices have taken part in the Protecting God's Children awareness sessions offered in conjunction with Virtus.  Follow this link for an overview of the program at virtus.org. 

Charter Compliance Audit
Audits are conducted in dioceses and eparchies in the United States to guage the level of compliance with the provisions of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Diocese of Lansing was audited in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and each year was found in full compliance with the Charter. The auditors gave the Diocese several commendations and several recommendations or required actions. The Diocese complied with the recommendations and required actions by December 1 of each audit year.

The U.S. Bishops approved audits through 2010. The Diocese will be audited again the week of September 24, 2007. The Gavin Group out of Boston, MA conducts the audits nationwide.

Parishioner Awareness
When the Diocese of Lansing Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures manual was updated and promulgated in November, 2000, a summary flyer was given to parishes for distribution to parishioners and display in periodical racks.  This flyer was updated after the Charter was promulgated to highlight the programs and policies of the diocese and includes contact information to report an incident of sexual abuse of a minor.

Diocesan Policy
In November, 2000 Bishop Mengeling promulgated an updated Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures manual.  One of the most comprehensive in the nation at the time, the policy was among the first to require that any knowledge of sexual abuse of a minor be immediately reported to proper law enforcement authorities.