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Report Misconduct & Abuse

A Letter from Archbishop Brian Dunn

January 26, 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Bishop Dunn seated 2020 400x600

In February 2010, the Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment protocol was implemented in the Diocese of Yarmouth and the Archdiocese of Halifax. Its intent was to improve and maintain a safe environment for a more responsible ministry. It was also meant to develop an effective process of accountability, for a more transparent, open and accountable Church.

In 2018, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a series of recommendations for implementation in the dioceses of Canada. One of these being that each diocese would “implement/update a diocesan safeguarding policy conforming to the highest standards of responsible ministry”.

Over the past months, we have reviewed and updated our Responsible Ministry & Safe Environment Protocol to reflect lessons learned in keeping with the commitment of the Bishops of Canada. This was meant to provide a safe and healthy environment for all we are called to serve, as well as those who work and volunteer within our Church.

As a result, enhancements have been implemented to support transparency and accountability in our church. Firstly, a “Report Misconduct” feature has been added to our website. This will enable the reporting of any concerns to the Responsible Ministry Coordinator. Those concerns will be assessed and addressed based on the merits of the information provided. Secondly, a Responsible Ministry Advisory Council has been established to provide guidance to professional standards to the Archbishop and his delegate. The group will meet quarterly to review all reported instances of misconduct and assess the actions taken. The council will advise the Archbishop and his delegate if additional action is warranted. Finally, additional training requirements which include Safe Faith Training is to be completed by all clergy, seminarians, deacons, lay employees and volunteers.

I request that all clergy, seminarians, deacons, lay employees and volunteers of the Archdiocese familiarize themselves with this document, and the policy and procedures outlined in it. With the sole exception of the sacramental seal of Confession (canon 983, §1), it is required by the Archdiocese that all respect and comply with the expectations connected with abuse. Any situation where a child, youth or vulnerable adult is being, or is at risk of being, sexually, physically or emotionally abused must be reported to the Archdiocese and appropriate authorities (police).

Further, Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment Protocols applies to all engaged in Ministry within the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, including those who minister in this Archdiocese but are the subjects of another Bishop or religious authority. Specifically, it is intended to cover those in the following positions: staff in parishes and the Catholic Diocesan Centre of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth; volunteers who come into contact with children, youth and vulnerable adults; volunteers who participate in financial roles within the parish, i.e. counters, finance council, etc. It is also the reference for all instances of misconduct whether current, recent or in the past.

May this protocol help us to create environments of care and concern for all in our communities.

Sincerely,

✝ Brian Joseph Dunn
Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth

Report Misconduct

To report misconduct please click on the form below:

 Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
Report of Misconduct form
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Report Misconduct

All inquiries will be handled promptly and discreetly. Confidentiality will be maintained insofar as it is possible. It is our policy to follow-up with anyone making a report insofar as it is possible.

Archdiocese employees will not be penalized, dismissed, demoted, or suspended and no retaliatory action will be taken against them for reporting or inquiring in good faith about potential breaches of our policies or for seeking guidance on how to handle concerns or issues.

Contact Information

email:responsibleministry@
halifaxyarmouth.org

phone: 902-429-9800 x444
(where you can leave a safe and confidential message)

Bishop Reporting System

BishopReportingSystem

To report misconduct
by a Canadian Bishop
click here