Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America
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.
Introduction
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.
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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