SPRINGFIELD – The Diocese of Springfield announced its collaboration with the Independent Task Force on the Response to Sexual Abuse (which refers to itself as “Task Force”) during a Sept 8. press conference.

The Task Force submitted its final report and strategic plan to Bishop William Byrne. The group originally convened in February 2020, with 10 members appointed by Bishop Mitchell Rozanski to work toward developing a strategic plan with specific steps for improvement, according to the report. Vice Chairs of the Task Force Irene Woods and Orlando Isaza spoke at the conference about the group’s initiatives.

“We want victims and survivors to be cared for, we’re focused on creating a new culture with a safe and secure environment,” said Isaza. In the report, Task Force members said they consulted different groups to inform their plans, starting by having Judge Peter A. Velis prepare an independent report on the church in June 2020. Velis’ report advocates for the development and implement of a new system for reporting, investigating and reviewing allegations of current and historical sexual abuse, as well as creating a transparent process of accountability in word and in action.

The group then gathered stakeholder groups for victims and survivors of abuse, district attorneys and law enforcement, the faith community and members of the clergy to hear their varied inputs on the issue. Isaza praised the victims of abuse for their strength and resiliency in their efforts, while also thanking the clergy for their honest assessment of the church and their desire to make the abuse known to the public. He also said law enforcement laid out a strategy for all sexual abuse to be immediately referred to the appropriate district attorney.

Woods then spoke about the Task Force’s six-step plan to improve the Springfield Diocese’s efforts on sexual abuse:

1.    The diocese will acknowledge the trauma of sexual abuse on members of our community and ensure the allocation of resources needed to promote healing of survivors and the faith community. Woods said the Task Force will review the organizational structure and budget of the Office of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance (OSEVA) to provide adequate resources to the group.

2.    The diocese will respond to all allegations of sexual abuse in the church community in a timely, compassionate and fair way. The Task Force said in its report that a timely protocol will be put in place to any accused person on administrative leave.

3.    The diocese will ensure a transparent system of protocols and procedures that guarantee respect and due process for all involved. According to the report, this will include updating policies on trauma-responsive practices, provide training on updated practices and consulting independent legal counsel. The bishop will also appoint an Advisory Committee to work with OSEVA to ensure regular reviewal and consistent improvement.

4.    The diocese will ensure that the local church leadership is held responsible and accountable for failing to protect children and other vulnerable persons. The report shared that the diocese would develop a memorandum of understanding with each of the region’s district attorneys to ensure immediate referral of those accused of abuse for possible criminal prosecution.

5.    The diocese will hold those who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse responsible and accountable. The report explained that this initiative will include reviewing and updating the Code of Conduct for clergy, administrators, staff and volunteers, while working with the Review Board to hold the ministry accountable for reporting allegations of sexual abuse.

6.    The diocese will establish programs designed to prevent sexual abuse of anyone in their faith communities in the future. Education will be the key to prevention, according to the report, with the diocese fully implementing the VIRTUS program for training of all members of the church.

Woods also shared her hopes for how the strategic plan will impact the past and present.

“We want to offer compassionate and supportive care for those who have been damaged by the church in the past,” said Woods.

Byrne then spoke about the implementation of the Task Force’s independent work. He explained the importance of having the group be a grassroots effort, with the involvement of five church members and four members from outside the church, giving the Task Force a wider perspective.

“It’s my sincere hope that this will layout a blueprint for sexual harassment cases,” said Byrne.

After his presentation, members of the press asked about the Diocese of Springfield’s three-year plan to implement changes. While some expressed concern about the plan’s lengthy implementation, Byrne ensured that the patient process will allow the diocese to accomplish systematic change.

“I understand people might be skeptical, but we understand this as the start of a new day,” said Byrne.