Effective - March 31, 2021

Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Clergy

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A. Introduction

In keeping with the Church's teaching and mission, the Archdiocese of Vancouver believes that the effective protection of minors and vulnerable adults, as well as a pastoral concern for their human and spiritual development, are integral to the Gospel message.

God created every person in his image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26), and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ died for us while we were still his enemies through sin (cf. Rom 5:8-10), that we might become children of God (cf. 1 Jn 3:1). As God’s children, and Christ’s brothers and sisters, “all Christians, insofar as they have been baptized, are equal in dignity before the Lord.”(1) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” which teaches us that we have a duty of care to the most vulnerable among us,(2) because “it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs” (Mt 19:14).

The Old Testament prophets persistently call us to practice justice toward the vulnerable: “let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:24); “seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow” (Is 1:17); “loose the bonds of injustice, undo the thongs of the yoke, let the oppressed go free” (Is 58:6).

We practice justice in the spirit of solidarity, so often articulated by Pope St. John Paul II; not as a struggle against others, but as a struggle with others against injustice as the enemy: “We are all really responsible for all.”(3) In this struggle, our focus on justice must be fearless. We take to heart the words of the Lord that “the gates of hell will not prevail” (Mt 16:18) against the Church, and that He is with us “to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20).

We are therefore committed both to compassion and justice in dealing with the grave evil of clerical sexual abuse and misconduct in the Church. The procedures outlined in this Policy are aimed at promoting the protection of minors and vulnerable adults in harmony with the nature of the Church as the Body of Christ. These procedures also intend to show compassion to victims, to ensure justice for all, and to prevent, by every possible means, the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, the safeguarding of minors requires us “to establish the truth of what happened in the past, to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent it from occurring again, to ensure that the principles of justice are fully respected and, above all, to bring healing to the victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes.”(4)

B. United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes their human rights.(5) The Archdiocese of Vancouver is committed to these principles.(6)

Article 3.1

In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.

Article 19

States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programs to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.

C. Commitment by the Archbishop

As Archbishop of Vancouver, I will:

  • create, enforce, support, and maintain the means for preventing sexual misconduct by clergy and for responding to reports of abuse;(7)
  • make the fostering of a safe environment a priority in the pastoral activity of the Archdiocese; 8)
  • take a collaborative approach to all policies and procedures involving safe environment, working toward a culture of dialogue and institutional practices that promote accountability, transparency, and responsibility;(9)
  • model a pastoral attitude toward victims, rooted in repentance and conversion;(10) 
  • foster a pastoral attitude toward the clergy and lay people in my care, encouraging their personal growth, life-giving pastoral commitments,(11) and a spirit of co-responsibility for the protection of the most vulnerable;(12)
  • remain well informed regarding the nature and effects of sexual abuse according to the most recent research;(13)

  • keep well informed regarding the latest requirements of both secular and canon law and the work of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops;(14)

  • maintain regular communications with other bishops and major superiors, as well as other organizations within the Church, both to foster mutual improvements in policy and mechanisms of accountability, and to ensure that information about the suitability of individual clergy and consecrated persons for ministry is shared accurately and efficiently;

  • strive not only for a safe environment in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, but also help other Church leaders and organizations do the same in their respective spheres of authority;(15)

  • recommend that each of the Catholic entities situated within the Archdiocese create their own safe environment policies, and request that they provide copies of such policies for the Archdiocesan files;(16)

  • promote wider efforts to understand and eliminate sexual abuse, such as the Annual Anglophone Safeguarding Conference and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection;(17) and

  • be guided by the 31 recommendations of the Archdiocese’s Case Review Committee as
    outlined in the Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse (2019).

D. Background

Since the extent of clerical sexual abuse became better known in Canada, the Archdiocese of Vancouver has issued successive policies to investigate and deal with such abuse.(18) This latest Policy integrates the lessons learned.

This Policy relies on local, national, and universal directives and recommendations about: the protection of minors and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse, the reception of reports of such abuse, the investigation of such reports, and the pastoral care of all those involved in the investigative process and its aftermath. Such documents include:

  • Archdiocese of Vancouver, Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse, particularly the 31 recommendations of the Case Review Committee and subsequent responses;
  • Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation (Ottawa: St Joseph Communications, 2018);
  • Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Normae de gravioribus delictis (18 May 2001);(19)
  • Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Circular Letter to Assist Episcopal Conferences in Developing Guidelines for Dealing with Cases of Sexual Abuses of Minors Perpetrated by Clerics (3 May 2011);(20)
  • Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Vademecum on Certain Points of Procedure in Treating Cases of Sexual Abuse of Minors Committed by Clerics (16 July 2020);(21)
  • Previous versions of this Policy, from the first version published by the Archdiocese of Vancouver in 1994 until the April 2018 version that predates the Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse and the Protecting Minors documents; and
  • Relevant federal and provincial legislation.

This Policy and its procedures address three matters to be attended to whenever an incident involves alleged clerical sexual misconduct. First, they provide procedures for the reporting and investigation of such misconduct. Second, they protect the rights of all the faithful as guaranteed by the Code of Canon Law (cf. canons 96 and 208ff). Finally, they explain how the Archdiocese will deal with allegations without prejudice to the civil law and its formal processes.

The procedures outlined call for an immediate response when information concerning alleged sexual misconduct against a minor or vulnerable adult is received. They respect and include the observance of the requirements of civil and criminal law. The Archdiocese of Vancouver also follows the canonical procedures that are outlined in the penal process of the Code of Canon Law (cf. Book VII, part IV). While this Policy is consistent with the juridical penal process provided by the Code of Canon Law, it does not incorporate its detailed procedures.

In keeping with the spirit of the Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse, this Policy takes care that the process of reporting and investigating accusations of sexual abuse by clergy is handled by independent organizations and by the laity rather than by clerics or Archdiocesan staff, wherever possible. While it is of paramount importance that reports of sexual abuse be handled with great care and thoroughness, it is also crucial that the entire process be transparent and free from undue outside influence.

It is to be hoped that this Policy and its procedures will help everyone to become ever more vigilant in their protection of all minors and vulnerable adults.

E. General Principles

  1. The Archdiocese of Vancouver recognizes the obligation of acknowledging the grievous impact that sexual abuse and misconduct by clergy within the Church has on individuals, on families, on parishes, on the Archdiocese, and on society at large.
  2. The Archdiocese also recognizes such sexual misconduct is a symptom of a disorder in a Church called to undergo a profound pastoral conversion and purification.(22)
  3. The Church must carry out the mission prescribed by the Lord, but it must do so with greater transparency and accountability than in the past, balancing these with confidentiality and due process. Clergy, consecrated persons, and laity must be mutually accountable to each other.(23) Sexual misconduct is neither a purely clerical problem, nor does it have a purely clerical solution.
  4. The special focus of this Policy is the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. It gives priority to creating a safe environment in every circumstance in which their protection is imperative. This Policy may also be applied, where appropriate, to allegations of sexual misconduct from other than vulnerable adults.
  5. The processes outlined in this Policy, from reporting through to investigation and resolution of a report, are all designed to encourage individuals to come forward with information and protect those who do.(24)
  6. Everything in this Policy is public. Its language is intended to be readily understood and the document must be easily accessible; it will be posted on the Archdiocesan website.(25)
  7. All members of the clergy engaged in ministry in the Archdiocese of Vancouver must familiarize themselves with this document.(26)
  8. All those engaged in ministry in the Archdiocese of Vancouver must understand how to put this Policy into practice in their particular ministries, with the goal of making all ministries safe environments for all those involved. The Archdiocese will continue developing its safe environment program toward this goal, based upon current best practices, the recommendations of the CCCB document Protecting Minors, the recommendations of the Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse, and input from parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations.(27)
  9. The Implementation Working Group will report to the Archbishop on a semi-annual
    basis, outlining progress made in implementing this Policy and its procedures. These
    reports will be made public.(28)
  10. The Archbishop shall appoint an Archdiocesan spokesperson(29) who is responsible for
    relations with the media for all questions concerning allegations of sexual abuse and
    misconduct.

F. Responsibilities of the Archbishop

  1. The Archbishop will appoint a Delegate to represent the Archdiocese in matters related to clerical sexual abuse and misconduct. Anyone who needs to contact the Delegate can do so through the Chancery.(30)
  2. The Delegate will serve as an overall coordinator of the faithful application of this Policy. The Delegate will be the face of the Archdiocese to reporters, victims, accused, the Office of Victim/Survivor Support, the independent investigators, and the Review Board for Sexual Misconduct. The Delegate will provide access to Archdiocesan resources where needed and is responsible for keeping the Archbishop and Archdiocesan staff suitably informed, and for overseeing the management of Archdiocesan records regarding sexual misconduct in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Chancellor and the Archdiocesan archivist.
  3. A Deputy Delegate may be appointed at the same time as the Delegate. In the absence or incapacity of the Delegate, the Deputy Delegate has the same role and functions as the Delegate. The Delegate may act personally or through the Deputy Delegate.(31)
  4. The Archbishop will appoint a Review Board for Sexual Misconduct which is to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct.
  5. In collaboration with the Review Board for Sexual Misconduct, the Implementation Working Group will review this Policy on a regular basis, new directives from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See, recent research on sexual abuse, and changes to civil laws.(32) Any person or group involved in the investigation of sexual abuse may suggest amendments to this Policy, which the Implementation Working Group or the Review Board for Sexual Misconduct will consider and draft for consideration.(33) Amendments take effect only after their approval by the Archbishop.
  6. The Archbishop will take a collaborative approach to fostering a safe environment, working toward a culture of dialogue and institutional practices that promote accountability, transparency, and responsibility.(34) Toward victims of sexual abuse he will model a pastoral attitude rooted in repentance and conversion.(35)
  7. A newly appointed Archbishop, with the assistance of the Delegate, shall acquaint himself with all past and present allegations of sexual misconduct allegedly or actually perpetrated in the Archdiocese of Vancouver by any Archdiocesan personnel: clergy, employees, or volunteers.

G. Care for Reporters

  1. The following articles presume that the person making the report (the “reporter”) is also the alleged victim, although this may not be so in all cases.
  2. Reporters and their families have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. They also have the right—should they request it—to be kept informed of the progress of their case and of its outcome.
  3. The Office of Victim/Survivor Support will respond to an initial report as soon as possible, no later than by the end of the following business day, and the Office and/or the Archdiocese will maintain timely, substantive communication thereafter. Victims coming forward for the first time will be received by a trauma-trained individual in a non-judgmental pastoral encounter in which they are welcomed and commended for their courage.(36)
  4. The Archbishop or his delegate will appoint an independent resource person to help each victim navigate the investigative process until a resolution is reached.(37) The resource person will follow up with the reporter within one week of the initial report to give an update on progress, and regularly thereafter as requested by the reporter. All contact with the reporter will be thoroughly documented and added to the case documentation.
  5. The Archbishop's Delegate may recommend to the Archbishop that individualized spiritual and psychological support be made immediately available to anyone bringing an allegation to the Delegate that has a semblance of truth. The Archdiocese will offer the services of qualified persons to give spiritual and psychological assistance to the reporter and his or her family.(38)
  6. Because a reporter who seeks spiritual accompaniment may request a priest—even a particular priest—priests should receive sufficient formation to be able to recognize if they are not the right person for that role.(39)
  7. Support offered does not entail meetings with a legal minor who is a reporter unless proper authorization is obtained from the parents or guardians and, if necessary or advisable, from the police or civil authorities.
  8. In all complaints involving children, the best interests of the child shall always be the primary consideration.(40)
  9. While the Archdiocese is bound to seek out the services of expert canonical and secular legal counsel,(41) the overarching goal shall always be to redress injustice and foster Christian charity. The Archdiocese will not let legal or financial considerations interfere with a genuinely pastoral response. Any legal advice received by the Archdiocese will be placed at the service of the Gospel.(42)
  10. Help offered out of pastoral concern for the reporter is intended to be without prejudgment of the allegation and without prejudice to any future civil actions. This should be communicated by the Delegate to the relevant parties. If the allegation is found to be false, the Archdiocese is not required to continue support.
  11. The Archbishop, his Delegate and/or the relevant pastor, religious superior or responsible director, shall offer to the reporter, and those directly adversely affected, a proper, sincere and meaningful apology at the earliest advisable opportunity after any determination of serious misconduct or other significant wrongdoing, in keeping with the spirit of this section and provisions of the Apology Act of British Columbia.(43)
  12. Should a reporter seek—temporarily or in any final agreement—a confidentiality provision, it is to be absolutely clear that this would be entered into only at his or her request, with the representation of independent legal counsel, and with the understanding that such an agreement in no way attempts to limit any rights of the reporter flowing from criminal law.(44) It must also be made clear to the reporter that the Archdiocese cannot guarantee confidentiality if its records are subpoenaed or seized by civil authorities.

H. Relations with the Respondent

  1. The respondent is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. The respondent has the right to be notified of the allegation and the evidence, and to be given the opportunity for defense(45) and to respond to the allegation. These rights are of great importance.
  2. The fact that either formal or informal procedures have been initiated does not create an inference of guilt. The application of this Policy will be such that the good name of the respondent is protected, to the extent possible without prejudice to public safety, since the allegation may be unfounded.(46)
  3. If the respondent is a diocesan priest, the Archbishop will appoint a priest who is not involved in the preliminary investigation to provide appropriate fraternal support to the respondent. This priest should not, however, discuss the case with the respondent, mindful that their conversations are not privileged.
  4. If the allegation of sexual misconduct is brought against a member of a religious community or a priest who is currently on assignment in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, whether incardinated or not in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the Archbishop—with the advice of the Delegate and the Review Board for Sexual Misconduct—shall immediately place the person on administrative leave.(47) The Archbishop will make it clear to the respondent that his removal from ministry is precautionary and not penal, lest he think that he is being punished before a canonical trial has even begun.(48) The Delegate shall also inform the cleric's Bishop or major superior of the allegation and the outcome of the preliminary investigation.(49)
  5. While on leave, the respondent is provided with appropriate sustenance in accordance with the Code of Canon Law and may be offered therapeutic treatment and pastoral assistance that is reasonably requested.(50) The respondent may be assigned to a residence, or restricted as to residence, during the preliminary investigation.51 The Archbishop may take other measures that he deems appropriate in order to protect the freedom of witnesses and safeguard the course of justice.(52)
  6. The Archbishop will monitor any criminal or civil proceedings involving a cleric who has been accused of sexual misconduct, so that the Archdiocese is aware of what is going on in such proceedings. He may delegate this task.
  7. A respondent who admits or is found to be culpable of behaviour constituting serious sexual misconduct will never return to active ministry—unless truly exceptional circumstances exist and are acknowledged by the Archbishop and the Review Board—and may be dismissed from the clerical state in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
  8. If a respondent is found not guilty of all criminal charges, and if no culpability for behaviour constituting sexual misconduct is determined in a civil action, the Archbishop, with the help of the Review Board and the Archbishop's Delegate, will carefully review the matter of the cleric’s future.
  9. The aforementioned review will determine:
    • whether there exists sufficient credible evidence of sexual misconduct by the respondent, or some other reason that he should not be allowed to return to ministry;
    • on the available evidence, if any limitations or conditions on a return to ministry may be in the best interest of the respondent or other parties concerned or may be otherwise appropriate; and
    • how best to assist the respondent in any return to ministry including the restoration of his reputation if falsely accused.
  10. The respondent may be invited by the Review Board to address specific questions or issues arising, or the matters generally, and such responses shall be considered confidential during the review and be retained in the permanent record.
  11. The Archdiocese may offer financial assistance for the legal fees of the respondent, if it seems appropriate. However, a culpable respondent should assume some share of the financial burden.(53)
  12. An offender will be given the opportunity to participate in a restorative justice process conducted by qualified persons, particularly if requested by the reporter.
  13. “Where the cleric 1) has taken responsibility for sexual abuse or harassment, 2) has demonstrated remorse and 3) accepts the consequences of his actions, [he will be given the opportunity to participate in] a process modeled after Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) for offending clerics. Participation should not be obligatory. Nor does participation influence a return to ministry.”(54)

Continued...

I. Reporting Procedure
J. Preliminary Investigation
K. Record Keeping and Auditing
L. Care for the Body of Christ
M. Requirements for Ministry
N. Candidates for Ordained Ministry
O. Education
P. Additional Provisions
Appendix I: Obligation to Report
Appendix II: Contact Resources
Appendix III: Policy on Pastoral Conduct for Priests and Deacons
Appendix IV: Definitions 

Click here to download the full policy


  1. Pope Francis, General Audience (19 November 2014): http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2014/documents/papafrancesco_20141119_udienza-generale.html 
  2. Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 2222, 2265.
  3. Pope St. John Paul II, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 38.
  4. Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Irish Bishops (28 October 2006).
  5. Cf. United Nations, Convention on the Rights of the Child:

    https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=IV-11&chapter=4&lang=en

  6. Cf. Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A Call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation, CCCB Publications (2018): https://www.cccb.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2019/04/Protecting_Minors_2018.pdf, hereafter called “Protecting Minors,” Appendix 3, n. 66.

  7. Cf. https://rcav.org/abuse-crisis/abuse-report, hereafter called “Report on Clergy Sexual Abuse,” recommendation 31; Protecting Minors, Part I, Chapter Three, 3.2, p. 64.

  8. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, n.25.

  9. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, nn. 62, 63, 69.

  10. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, n. 64.

  11. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, n. 39.

  12. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, n. 67.

  13. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, n. 7.

  14. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, nn. 12, 55.

  15. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, nn. 10, 28, 65.

  16. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, n. 34.

  17. Cf. Protecting Minors, Appendix 3, nn. 11, 13.

  18. Cf. Interim Policy on Allegations of Sexual Misconduct (1989, promulgated 1990); Policy Regarding Allegations of Clerical Sexual Abuse (1994); Policies and Procedures Regarding Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by Clerics (2013); Policy on Sexual Misconduct by Clergy (2017, amended 2018).

  19. English translation: “Norms concerning the Most Serious Crimes.”

  20. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20110503_abusominori_en.html

  21. http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20200716_vademecum-casi-abuso_en.html, hereafter called “Vademecum.”