MOUNT ANGEL ABBEY
Office of Child Protection

Our Response
to Child Abuse

A Time for Healing
and Reconciliation

Our Call as Christians
Child abuse is contrary to the Gospel and the values of love and concern that Jesus calls us to have for one another. It opposes all that the Catholic Church teaches and believes about respect for human dignity and justice. It is wrong and is never to be tolerated.

It is the policy of Mount Angel Abbey that monks, employees and volunteers must comply with all state and local laws regarding incidents of actual or suspected child abuse.

The monks of Mount Angel Abbey are appalled by and condemn any actions which have resulted in harm to young people as a result of sexual abuse. We pledge our care and concern for all victims of abuse, wherever and however it occurs. We commit ourselves anew to bring the healing ministry of our Church to all people, to dialogue and pray with all who have suffered, and to foster opportunities for reconciliation.

Mount Angel Abbey fully subscribes to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (Dec. 8, 2002).

Our Call to Act
The term “child abuse” may refer to the physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a minor. Child abuse of any kind is a violation of Oregon State law. Church personnel, such as clergy and school staff, are mandatory reporters under Oregon law and must report suspected child abuse to civil authorities.

The relationship between clergy and Church members - children and adults - is characterized by sacred trust. Sexual abuse of any kind violates that trust and is of utmost concern.

Obligation to report
The first response to child abuse, as defined by the Oregon Revised Statutes 163.315, must always be immediate and direct reporting to appropriate civil authorities. Anyone who has reasonable cause to believe that child abuse by Abbey personnel is a present concern should call a local law enforcement agency or the Department of Human Services. All Abbey personnel are required to do the same whether or not they are mandatory reporters.

Healing and Reconciliation
Mount Angel Abbey has established the Office of Child Protection to promote healing and reconciliation. This Office provides a safe and affective avenue for individuals who wish to make a complaint of child abuse against personnel of Mount Angel Abbey.

The Abbey is committed to assisting those adults who where abused by Abbey personnel in the past to achieve healing and reconciliation. Even when Oregon Law no longer requires reporting an abuse, the Abbey encourages those victims of abuse to contact the Office of Ministries Coordinator at 503-845-3515.