The Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary is firmly committed to the health and protection of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. The pervasiveness of child abuse in society demands that we each take individual responsibility to acquaint ourselves on its cause and with the steps we can take toward its prevention.
Protecting the Children
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in response to the reports of sexual abuse of children and young people by some priests and bishops. In June 2003, the diocese produced a manual entitled Establishing Bonds of Trust. This manual, with revisions, contains documents pertinent to the protection of children and youth including the Diocese of Bismarck Sexual Misconduct Policy and Code of Conduct.
Developed around the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Bismarck's Safe Environment Program is intended to make sure that our children and young people enrolled in Catholic schools or those who participate in church-related activities in our parishes are safe.
The Diocese of Bismarck has put together a Step-By-Step Guide as a resource for parishes and Catholic schools to use in implementing the safe environment program.
The Diocese of Bismarck is firmly committed to the health and protection of our children, young people and vulnerable adults. The pervasiveness of child abuse in society demands that we each take individual responsibility to acquaint ourselves on its cause and with the steps we can take toward its prevention.