By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – Bismarck Bishop Paul Zipfel says the new policy on sexual abuse agreed to by U-S bishops is a good step toward restoring trust in the priesthood.
The policy says priests who abuse will be removed from active ministry. They will still be allowed to celebrate Mass privately, but cannot participate in community ministerial activities. And Zipfel says if there is credible evidence of abuse, that information will be turned over to local law enforcement.
Zipfel says the policy of the Bismarck Diocese is compliant with the new directive.
"We do have a review board in place. And I think our policy, which was written in 1983 and updated just a couple of years ago, is pretty much up to date, but we need to get a few things in line."
Zipfel says dioceses that are part of the St. Paul archdiocese will have to respond to frequent "performance audits" to make sure the bishops' wishes are carried out. He says the whole ordeal has caused some hurt among Catholics which won't be cured quickly.
"People are very angry, and they wonder who they can trust. And it will take a long, long time for trust to be restored."
Two priests in the Bismarck Diocese have been relieved of parish duties due to sexual abuse. Zipfel says there have been other accusations, and while most have not been substantiated, a few are still being investigated.