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Task Force On Clergy Sexual Abuse Releases Recommendations To Springfield Diocese

Springfield Catholic Bishop William Byrne speaks at a press conference announcing recommendations by a task force on clergy sexual abuse.
Adam Frenier
/
NEPM
Springfield Catholic Bishop William Byrne speaks at a press conference announcing recommendations by a task force on clergy sexual abuse.

A task force on Wednesday released recommendations for how the Springfield Catholic diocese can better handle — and prevent — instances of clergy sexual abuse.

Task force members are calling on the diocese to respond to all allegations in a "timely and compassionate" fashion, while also revamping its review system for sexual abuse claims. They propose training for clergy and lay church employees on how to prevent sexual abuse from taking place.

Springfield Bishop William Byrne said during a press conference that he accepts the recommendations.

"The work of the task force is critically important to turning our words of commitment to accountability, and transparency into tangible action," Byrne said.

In recent years, the diocese has come under fire for not turning over all abuse claims to prosecutors for criminal investigation, as well as mishandling a complaint filed against the late Springfield Bishop Christopher Weldon

Byrne’s predecessor, Mitchell Rozanski, did eventually sign an agreement with western Massachusetts district attorneys, agreeing that the diocese would turn over allegations to them.

As far as implementing the changes, the task force is also calling on the diocese to form an advisory committee to review if the new goals are being met.

"And as we review those, we put together an annual report which will go back to bishop and to the public, saying, 'This is what was accomplished and this isn't what was accomplished,'" said Irene Woods, co-chair of the task force. "So, I see there really is a check-and-balance system in there."

The task force worked for more than a year to generate the recommendations. During the process, it received input from focus groups made up of sexual abuse survivors, clergy members in the Springfield diocese, and reviewed nearly 500 surveys completed by community members.

Adam joined NEPM as a freelance reporter and fill-in operations assistant during the summer of 2011. For more than 15 years, Adam has had a number stops throughout his broadcast career, including as a news reporter and anchor, sports host and play-by-play announcer as well as a producer and technician.
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