Ethics in Ministry Policy for Positive Relationships
Between Brothers and Minors and Vulnerable Adults
The following is an excerpt. To obtain a copy of the full policy,
send an email this contact
The Mission of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America
The Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America have accepted
the call to evangelize youth within the mission of the Catholic
Church, and we complete this work primarily in schools where the
Members minister. In these and in parish, health care, counseling
and other ministries we follow the example of our Founder, Blessed
Edmund Rice, who attended to the needs of
the vulnerable and nurtured the dignity of the human person. Sexual
abuse of minors is abhorrent to Blessed Edmund's example, to our
vocation as Christian Brothers, and to the Gospel values we profess.
We Christian Brothers share in the anger and anguish expressed by
many Catholics and many in our society over the abuse committed
by priests, religious brothers and religious sisters. We are committed
to the prevention of any recurrence of abusive acts. Furthermore,
we attempt to reach out to victims with care for
their healing and hope to rebuild the trust that has been lost.
Abusive behavior will not be tolerated. We will do all in our power
to prevent abuse. To assist us in fulfilling that commitment, we
have formulated these policies for the protection of those in our
care.
Scope of This Policy
The focus of this policy is to provide a safe environment of those
we serve and the policy will address allegations of sexual abuse
of minors by current Members of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers
North America. If a former or deceased member is accused, this policy
will apply as appropriate. This policy also applies to those situations
where Brothers would minister to vulnerable adults. Policies herein
reflect current Province policy. Language, structure and examples
of behavior borrow heavily from the documents "Policies for
Maintaining Ethical Ministry with Minors" and "Policies
for Maintaining Ethical Ministry with Adults" by Praesidium,Inc.
Policy adopted by the Province Leadership Team of the Edmund
Rice Christian Brothers North America, November 1, 2006
Abuse Prevention Accreditation
The Conference of Major Superiors
of Men established a system of accountability and transparency
which utilizes an accreditation model and contracted with Praesidium
Inc to become the accrediting body for men’s religious
orders and congregations. The process requires that an independent
team of specialists from Praesidium independently verify that the
Standards for Accreditation have been met. Praesidium specialists
have thoroughly reviewed the policies of the Edmund Rice Christian
Brothers, conducted site visits, interviewed members of the
Province, including those in formation, our vocation and formation
directors, members of the Provincial Council and members of our
Review Board.<br>
The Christian Brothers are pleased to announce that the accreditation
process has concluded successfully and that the Edmund Rice Christian
Brothers North America is now Praesidium Accredited™, the
highest honor in abuse prevention practices.
Please report abuse.
Here are four ways to report abuse:
1. Send email to a member of the Christian
Brothers' leadership team
2. Write the Christian Brothers at 301 Honeysuckle Lane, San Antonio
TX 78213.
3. Contact Pathways To Hope
a not-for-profit agency that offers outreach to victims/survivors
of sexual misconduct on behalf of the Christian Brothers and other
religious communites of men.
4. Contact your local district attorney or police.
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