Statement from Archbishop Charle

We are pleased that the Archdiocese of Denver has been found to be in full compliance with the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."

We are also encouraged by the three commendations the Archdiocese of Denver received from the audit-team investigators.

The commendations were awarded for an updated and comprehensive sexual misconduct policy dating back to 1991, for the appointment of a senior advisor to the archbishop and liaison to the national Office of Child and Youth Protection, for the archdiocese's proactive handling of background checks and evaluations, and for an effective diocesan system of communicating about sexual abuse issues.

Our commitment to addressing this very grave issue will continue. This past fall, the Archdiocese of Denver launched a comprehensive safe environment program to increase people's awareness about issues of sexual misconduct. In the months ahead, we will be expanding our Safe Environment Training Program throughout the archdiocese to help clergy, lay employees, volunteers and parents identify, prevent and report child sexual abuse. This program will be an important part of our Church's life into the future.

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Denver

+Jose H. Gomez, S.T.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of Denver

For more information about the audit and the Archdiocese of Denver Code of Conduct, please visit www.archden.org.

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