Commitment In Action
How Glenmary is keeping its promise to keep children and young people safe.
By Father Dan Dorsey

Human nature being what it is, we tend to make promises in the heat of the moment and not follow through. I made a promise in my Spring 2004 column (“Glenmary Called to Conversion”) that Glenmary would do everything possible to ensure that children and young people are safeguarded in our mission ministry. In making that promise, I acknowledged that we in Glenmary have clearly heard the call to conversion and that we are committed to put our good intentions into action. I provided an update on that commitment in Spring 2005 (“Keeping Our Promises”).

Now, I want to once again pledge to you, our partners in mission, that we in Glenmary continue to commit ourselves to ensuring that no minor shall be put at risk. In a spirit of accountability and transparency, I want to update you on steps taken over the past 12 months to ensure that our commitment is realized:

A Functioning Review Board. The seven members of our Glenmary Review Board met seven times during 2005. In addition to examining any accusation of sexual misconduct with a minor by a Glenmary priest or brother, its responsibilities include: annually reviewing Glenmary’s policies and procedures; annually reviewing the restricted living plans of any member removed from active ministry and making any necessary suggestions to the Glenmary Executive Council; making recommendations to the Glenmary Executive Council regarding the continuing education of its members.

Policies Being Implemented. On Aug. 15, 2004, Glenmary put into effect “Policies for Maintaining Ethical Ministry With Minors and Vulnerable Adults.” These policies, which reflect the current national standard for those who work with minors and vulnerable adults, replaced policies in place since 1988 (and revised in 1991 and 2000). This document also outlines reporting procedures should a situation arise where abuse is suspected. All Glenmarians—as well as our men in formation—are held to the standards that are contained therein. A member of our Executive Council held sessions at each of our formation houses this past year to make sure that our novices and prenovices understand these policies.

Successful Member Education. In April 2005 all Glenmarians in ministry gathered for two days of education on maintaining ethical ministry with minors and vulnerable adults. This education was in addition to any training members received in the dioceses where they minister. Glenmary’s policies and procedures were studied and information was presented on the effect that sexual abuse has on a person. All who gathered for those two days were deeply appreciative for the information received and the insights gained.

Accreditation Received. In December 2005 Glenmary received accreditation from Praesidium, a national leader in abuse risk management. The accreditation process involved extensive interviews with Glenmary members and men in formation, on-site visitation of missions, analysis of our policies and procedures and a visit to our national headquarters in Cincinnati.
This accreditation represents an evolution in a long-standing challenge for Glenmary to clarify our responsibilities, identify best practices, evaluate the extent to which we are meeting defined standards, and communicate to others the steps that have been taken. This accreditation, therefore, represents an ongoing process and commitment on the part of Glenmary.

Maintaining ethical ministry with minors is an integral part of Glenmary’s service to the mission areas of the United States. In closing, I reiterate Glenmary’s commitment to safeguard children and young people in our ministry. We have made changes and, with the grace of God, we will continue to put our commitment into action.