Dear Friends of the Dominicans,

As Provincial of the Dominican Province of St. Martin de Porres (Southern Dominican Province, USA) I take this opportunity to speak to you about the crisis in the Church related to the Sexual Abuse of Minors.

The Southern Dominican Province was founded in 1979. Currently, we have 80 friars (priests and brothers) in the Province.

Like you, I have been shocked by the recent allegations of child sexual abuse. The fact that priests and ministers of the Church have harmed young people in their care is inexcusable. Furthermore, the fact that bishops and superiors have not done their due diligence in preventing the abuse is even worse. I know that the trust of many faithful people has been seriously compromised by these reports.

I regret that the Dominican Friars of the Southern Province have not been exempt from these horrific cases of abuse. On behalf of our friars, I sincerely apologize for the harm caused by our members. I pledge to do all in my power to prevent any further occurrences.

The Province works with Praesidium, Inc., of Arlington, Texas, to strengthen our internal policies for training our members to safeguard children from sexual abuse. Praesidium is an independent agency and is not a part of the Catholic Church. It contracts with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) in the United States to provide standards of training for priests and brothers who are members of religious orders. We have received and maintain accreditation from Praesidium.

Today all applicants to the Province are screened according to Praesidium approved standards. Their screening includes a psychological evaluation, a criminal background check, letters of reference, and a review of their social media. We do ongoing training and criminal background checks on all our friars. The Dominicans cooperate fully with all dioceses in which we do ministry.

Our policy for responding to allegations of sexual abuse of minors has also been approved by Praesidium. We take all allegations seriously and treat those making the allegations with respect and compassion. Under our policy, any allegation against a friar is investigated by our Victim Assistance Coordinator. Our Review Board, comprised of lay persons and religious, reviews the report of the Victim Assistance Coordinator and makes recommendations to me regarding the allegation and the friar who has been accused.

While the allegation is investigated, the friar is temporarily removed from public ministry. If the allegation is found to be credible, he is permanently removed from ministry, and placed under the supervision of another friar.

At this link are the names of friars of the Southern Province who were permanently removed from ministry to due credible allegations of sexual misconduct with minors.  

Know of my prayers for the Church, for each of you, and all persons who have been harmed by clergy, religious or other Church leaders.

Sincerely in Christ,

Very Rev. Roberto Merced, O.P.
Prior Provincial
 

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Prayer for Healing