Letter from Bishop Barron
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
To provide for the pastoral care of the people of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, and in particular for the protection of children and young people, I reassert that the policies and procedures regarding sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other church personnel continue in effect as particular law for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. The policy, unchanged since the 2018 revision, is attached.
Building on our earlier formal policies, first issued in 1987, and revised in 1993, 2001, 2003 and 2018, this policy reflects our concern for children and young people. It has been revised in accord with the provisions in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons. Included herein is information on reporting suspected abuse to civil authorities. It is my hope that the faithful observance and implementation of these policies and procedures will help to restore any trust that may have been lost in the Church and in Church leadership,
As a Diocese, we are committed to assisting in the care of victims, continuing to address all allegations of sexual abuse, and to being respectful of the rights of all. We are committed to creating a safe environment for children and young people as well as providing procedures to assist those who may tragically have been abused in the past. We will work cooperatively with civil authorities and in reporting allegations of abuse in accord with the norms of the law.
Please join me in ensuring this commitment to our children and young people.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Robert Barron
Bishop of Winona-Rochester