Vatican involvement in
abuse charter welcome

October 23, 2002

Dear sisters and brothers,

As the people of the archdiocese already know, the Church in Northern Colorado has had procedures in place for many years — both in Church law and archdiocesan policy — to safeguard children and families from sexual misconduct by any archdiocesan personnel, including clergy. These procedures have served our people effectively.

On Oct. 18, Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. bishops' conference, announced the formation of a mixed Holy See-U.S. commission to review certain elements of the national Charter and proposed Essential Norms dealing with incidents of sexual abuse within the Church.

The Holy Father has spoken forcefully on the issue of sexual misconduct in the Church, and his guidance, through representatives of the Holy See, will be invaluable.

Obviously, as part of the Church's salvific mission, we remain committed to preserving the rights of all the faithful, including the protection of children, young people and families in every Church environment throughout the archdiocese, without exception or reservation. Our priests, deacons and lay employees share that commitment. The Church in Northern Colorado has worked from that principle for many years. That principle will not change now or in the future.

+ Charles J Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Denver

+José H. Gomez, S.T.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of Denver