On September 30, 2018, the 15 Bishops of the Catholic dioceses in Texas made the decision to release the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor, dating back to 1950. On October 10, 2018, the Texas dioceses, and the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB), released statements promising to provide a full list of credibly accused clergy by January 31, 2019. The Diocese of Laredo's statements can be found below.
Catholic Diocese of Laredo
STATEMENT FROM BISHOP JAMES A. TAMAYO, D.D. (ENGLISH) - JANUARY 31, 2019
January 31, 2019
Diocese of Laredo Announces Review of Clergy Files Regarding Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clergy
To the clergy, men and women in consecrated life, and laity of the Diocese of Laredo:
Today, the Diocese of Laredo unites with the Catholic dioceses in Texas and the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter to fulfill our commitment made on September 30, 2018 to publish the names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor while ministering in the diocese. The bishops’ decision was made in the context of their ongoing work to protect minors from sexual abuse and their efforts to promote healing and a restoration of trust in the Catholic Church.
The Diocese of Laredo was established on August 9, 2000 by Pope John Paul II. The Most Reverend James A. Tamayo was named by Pope John Paul II as the first bishop of the Diocese of Laredo. The diocese consists of an area which was previously portions of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and the Archdiocese of San Antonio, mainly the counties of Dimmit, Jim Hogg, LaSalle, Maverick, Webb, Zapata and Zavala. The Diocese of Laredo was established in the year 2000; therefore, the review of clergy files is from the year 2000 to the present.
After having reviewed the files of all clergy who have received permission to minister in the Diocese of Laredo since its inception, there have been no credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy.
The Diocese of Laredo is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse and works diligently with Church personnel, volunteers and parents to foster a safe environment for minors. Our Safe Environment Program provides education and training on the prevention of sexual abuse and requires criminal background checks of clergy, volunteers and church personnel.
If anyone knows of any sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or any Church personnel in the Diocese of Laredo, please contact Melinda Sepulveda, Diocesan Interim Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 956-764-7868. In accordance with Texas Law, anyone who has cause to believe a minor may have been or is being abused, must report suspicions to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or contact local law enforcement.
May God bring healing to the victims and families of sexual abuse. May we all work together to respect and protect the children of our community
ANUNCIO DEL OBISPO JAIME A. TAMAYO, D.D. - 31 DE ENERO DEL 2019 (ESPAÑOL)
31 de enero del 2019
Anuncio de la Diócesis de Laredo sobre la Revisión de los Archivos del Clero con Respecto a Acusaciones Creíbles de Abuso Sexual de Menores por parte del Clero
Al clero, hombres y mujeres consagrados a la vida religiosa, y laicos de la Diócesis de Laredo:
Hoy, la Diócesis de Laredo se une a las diócesis católicas en Texas y al Ordinariato de la Cátedra de San Pedro para cumplir con nuestro compromiso establecido el 30 de septiembre del 2018 de publicar los nombres de los clérigos que han sido acusados de abusar sexualmente de un menor al ejercer su ministerio en la diócesis. La decisión de los obispos se tomó en el contexto de su continuo trabajo para proteger a los menores del abuso sexual y sus esfuerzos para promover la sanación y recobrar la confianza en la Iglesia Católica.
La Diócesis de Laredo fue establecida el 9 de agosto del 2000 por el Papa Juan Pablo II. Monseñor Jaime A. Tamayo fue nombrado como el primer obispo de la Diócesis de Laredo por el Papa Juan Pablo II. La diócesis consiste de una porción territorial que anteriormente formó parte de la Diócesis de Corpus Christi y la Arquidiócesis de San Antonio, compuesta principalmente por los condados de Dimmit, Jim Hogg, LaSalle, Maverick, Webb, Zapata y Zavala. La Diócesis de Laredo se estableció en el año 2000; por lo tanto, la revisión de los archivos del clero se efectuó desde el año 2000 hasta el presente.
Después de haber revisado los archivos de todos los clérigos que han recibido permiso para ejercer su ministerio en la Diócesis de Laredo desde su establecimiento, no ha habido acusaciones creíbles de abuso sexual de un menor por parte de ningún miembro del clero.
La Diócesis de Laredo se compromete a la prevención del abuso sexual y trabaja diligentemente con el personal de la Iglesia, los voluntarios y los padres de familia para fomentar un ambiente seguro para los menores. Nuestro Programa de Ambiente Seguro brinda educación y capacitación sobre la prevención del abuso sexual y mediante la verificación de antecedentes criminales del clero, voluntarios y personal de la Iglesia.
Si alguien tiene conocimiento sobre el abuso sexual de un menor por parte de un miembro del clero o de algún miembro del personal de la iglesia en la Diócesis de Laredo, comuníquese con Melinda Sepúlveda, Coordinadora Diocesana Interina de Asistencia a las Víctimas, al 956-764-7868. De acuerdo con la Ley de Texas, cualquier persona que sospeche que un menor haya sido o está siendo abusado, debe reportar sus sospechas al Departamento de Servicios para la Familia y de Protección de Texas llamando al 1-800-252-5400 o comunicarse con la autoridad policial local.
Que Dios brinde sanación a las víctimas y familias de abuso sexual. Que todos trabajemos juntos para respetar y proteger a los niños de nuestra comunidad.
THE DIOCESE OF LAREDO - OCTOBER 10, 2018 STATEMENT
Since 2000, the Diocese of Laredo has worked diligently to keep their promise to protect all the children we serve. Click below to read more about our Safe Environment Program and training.
The Diocese of Laredo Interim Victim Assistance Coodinator is prepared to assist anyone who comes forward regarding a past or recent instance of sexual abuse of a minor at the hands of clergy. Please click the link below to report an instance of abuse.
Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
PREVENTING THE SEXUAL ABUSE OF MINORS
We are deeply sorry that some Church leaders have, at times, failed in their responsibility to protect minors. The Catholic Church throughout the United States has worked to improve protection, especially over the last fifteen years. We will remain vigilant to provide an even safer environment for every child we serve. < more >
Nation and World
Catholic News Service: Texas dioceses name clergy with credible allegations of sex abuse
Opening Address of 2018 USCCB General Assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 12
We remain committed to the specific program of greater episcopal accountability that we will discuss these days. Consultations will take place. Votes will not this week. But we will prepare ourselves to move forward. < more >
11/12/18
National Review Board: Broaden the Scope of the Charter to Include Bishops
The report calls for broadening the scope of the Charter on the Protection of Children and Young People to include bishops; the publication of complete lists of credibly accused clergy in all dioceses; improving the audit process; and enhancing accountability for bishops regarding cases of abuse. < more >
11/13/2018
Statement at Close of Public Sessions of 2018 USCCB General Assembly in Baltimore, Nov. 14
We leave this place committed to taking the strongest possible actions at the earliest possible moment. We will do so in communion with the Universal Church. Moving forward in concert with the Church around the world will make the Church in the United States stronger, and will make the global Church stronger. < more >
11/14/2018
Prayer and other Pastoral Resources
O Lord Jesus Christ, moved by the desire to repair the outrages and offenses committed against you, we place ourselves in your presence and pledge our love and fidelity.
The more your mysteries are blasphemed, the more firmly we shall believe them, O Jesus!
The more your holy laws are transgressed and ignored, the more we shall delight to observe them.
The more your Sacraments are despised and abandoned, the more frequently we shall receive them with love and reverence.
The more the imitation of your virtues is neglected and forgotten, the more we shall endeavor to practice them, O Jesus, model of every virtue!
The more the devil labors to destroy souls, the more we shall be inflamed with desire to save them, O Jesus, zealous lover of souls!
The more sin and impiety attempt to destroy the image of God in the human race, the more we shall try by purity of life to be a living temple of the Holy Spirit.
O Jesus, through your powerful grace, may we be your apostles in the midst of a corrupted world, and be your crown in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
