Bishop's Statement: Child Protection

Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska
1316 Peger Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709
Bishop's Office
12 January 2007

To all our people of the Diocese of Fairbanks and our benefactors:

You may see or hear news accounts about the fifth anniversary of a series of Boston Globe articles on priestly abuse. Those stories, while painful for many Catholics, ushered in a new era of accountability for the Church and the rest of the country. It is an accountability our diocese has fully embraced.

Let me take this opportunity to reiterate our efforts to protect children and rebuild trust. While we remain in litigation in a number of cases involving accusations of ministerial misconduct or abuse, we have nevertheless set in place programs and policies to make our parishes, rectories and schools safe for worship, work, and learning. Indeed, that safety is our top priority as we minister to God's people in the North.

In the five years since the Boston Globe issued its series our diocese has:
Nor are these steps the only efforts we are making. As you know we've formed a committee to guide us in providing culturally sensitive pathways towards healing the wounds of sexual abuse and reconciling with those who suffer. Next month a member of that healing committee will travel to St. Mary's to talk with Western Alaskan deacons and staff. The trip follows up on an earlier excursion that took place in November to Emmonak, Stebbins and St. Michael. Similar trips are planned for other regions in the diocese.

Finally, let me say while the airing of one's faults and failures often stings, it may be the first step towards healing and even greater strength. I know that with your prayers and God's aid we will emerge from this period of doubt and mistrust as a stronger, safer and holier community.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop Donald J. Kettler