OUR MISSION
Safe
Environment
We are committed to fostering safe environments within the apostolates, ministry, and congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, where all those we serve and our members may thrive.
OUR SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES INCLUDE:
- A prevention-focused approach reducing harmful incidences and increasing priest wellness through holistic support and early intervention
- A commitment to responding to concerns in a compassionate and effective manner by accompanying complainants/victims and accused priests through a process of integrity for a just outcome, and on their healing journey from intake to resolution
- Best practice policies, efficient systems, clear communication, purposeful collaboration, and proactive educational training (internal and external)
- Support for the congregation’s mission to form apostles, Christian leaders at the service of the Church (CLC 4)
For questions about Safe Environment policies, contact Nikki Hittle, Director of Safe Environment, at the information below.
Safe Environment Resources
MAKING A REPORT
Three Ways to
Report a Concern
We are committed to providing safe environments for minors and vulnerable adults by means of necessary prevention and rapid response policies to any allegation, which includes collaboration with civil and ecclesiastical authorities. We encourage anyone who has been abused by or has concerns about a member of the Legionaries of Christ to contact the appropriate authorities, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred and to contact our Safe Environment office.
There are three ways you can report a concern to the Legionaries of Christ:
Contact Us
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE
Reporting to
Civil Authorities
It is the policy of the Legionaries of Christ in North America to report all allegations of abuse of minors involving current or former members to civil authorities, even when the alleged victim is now an adult.
However, we encourage you to file a report with your local civil authorities as well. Here is a list of resources to get started.
PILLARS OF OUR
Safe Environment Plan
In the North American Territory
The Legionaries of Christ in North America are committed to building up the Kingdom of Christ in every person and in society. “They should allow Christ’s love for mankind to imbue their very selves” (CLC 11). Ensuring a safe environment for young people and adults in the Legion’s ministries is fundamental to this purpose.
The Code of Conduct was originally the result of a policy review carried out in light of the current need for the Church to fight against the sexual abuse of minors. However, this focus is not exclusive. “Safe environment” for the Legion of Christ, refers to our ministry in general, with children, young people, and adults. This 2022 edition of the Code reflects this broader understanding. (Code of Conduct, Page 5)
From the General Directorate
Throughout 2022 there was progress in several of the commitments that the Congregation established. Nevertheless, there is still a long path to take in search of truth, justice, and healing for the victims. Therefore, we commit to continue on this path and to prioritize the following commitments:
(1) Respond to any allegation according to the established procedures and strengthen the active outreach to victims with whom there is still no contact.
(2) Follow up on and strengthen the program for financial reparation and support for victims of sexual abuse by priests of the Congregation
(3) Follow up on ongoing canonical proceedings according to the instructions that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith gives in each case, constituting the corresponding tribunals and ensuring the participation of external canon lawyers as judges and advisers.
(4) In 2023, begin an external audit of the work carried out and reflected in the reports that have been published.
(5) With external experts, examine possible evidence of concealment or grave negligence with respect to past cases of abuse and enact the corresponding processes.
(6) Carry out the processes of external accreditation or reaccreditation of safe environment standards that are underway in several territories.
(7) Expand collaboration with external institutions and experts, and establish forums for consultation with victims of sexual abuse for the continuous improvement of the Congregation’s work in this area.
(8) Address the issue of abuse of authority and conscience, as noted by the General Chapter: “We ask the General Government to analyze this complex reality and to propose appropriate measures in view of pastoral formation, the prevention of any type of abuse and the healing of those affected.
CMSM, USCCB & Praesidium
The Legionaries of Christ are committed to working with each of the following external organizations:
CMSM
The Legionaries of Christ belongs to the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. (CMSM) The major superiors adopted a comprehensive approach to the issue of safe environments for minors with an accreditation program under the direction of Praesidium Inc., a leading organization in the field of the protection of minors. The Legion of Christ of the North American Territory adopted this program in 2008, achieved its first accreditation in 2010, and renews it punctually. (cf. Code of Conduct, Page 5)
USCCB
The Legion of Christ of the North American Territory supports the bishops’ efforts and subscribes to the principles set by the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (aka Dallas Charter) and the Essential Norms. (cf. Code of Conduct, Page 5)
Praesidium
Praesidium accreditation evidence the safety standards for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons. As a member of the Council of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), the Legionaries of Christ are committed to implementing Praesidium safety standards.
The Vatican
“The protection of minors and vulnerable persons is an integral part of the Gospel message that the Church and all its members are called to proclaim throughout the world.” – Pope Francis on March 26, 2019
The following documents are used to guide safe environment practices and procedures:
The Vademecum: The Vademecum (2022) is a handbook prepared by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) that details process and procedures when applying canon law after receiving complaints of child sexual abuse by clerics. The Vademecum defines how to properly provide notice and respond to reported allegations, clarifies the preliminary investigative process, and indicates how to proceed when cases culminate.
Vos Estis Lux Mundi (VELM): Vos Estis Lux Mundi (2023) is an apostolic letter from the Vatican to notify the faithful of the commitment to properly respond to allegations of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable persons. VELM established norms for the reception of complaints, victim care, and proper procedures throughout the investigation. VELM is a universal church law originally released in 2019 ad experimentum, and promulgated in 2023.
Canon Law: Canon Law, particularly Book VI, defines canonical crimes, outlines rights and processes, and prescribes accountability measures.
PRAESIDIUM ACCREDITATION
Upholding Accountability,
Transparency, & Safety
What is Praesidium?
Praesidium’s mission is to help organizations protect those in their care from abuse and to help preserve trust in each organization. Praesidium Accreditation is a standardized, consistent, and objective process that allows organizations to publicly demonstrate their commitment to abuse prevention. Praesidium believes every organization should have the opportunity to become accredited and is committed to preventing abuse and protecting organizations.
- Our Most Recent Accreditation Date: May 2023
- Our Next Accreditation Renewal Date: May 2028
ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
- Responding to Survivors
- For Prevention
- Responding to Allegations
- For Supervision
CONTACT US
Safe Environment
Office
The Safe Environment Team aspires to prevent trauma, effectively respond to allegations, and pastorally intervene with all those involved in the situation. Our work is guided by the Congregation’s Code of Conduct as well as the safety standards set forth by Praesidium to maintain our accreditation for a safe environment.
Director of Safe Environment
Email: nhittle@arcol.org
Phone: (770) 802-0058
10 Mansell Court E. Suite 100
Roswell, GA, 30076
Program Coordinator for Pastoral Care
Email: afoley@arcol.org
Phone: (678) 467-9348
10 Mansell Court E. Suite 100
Roswell, GA, 30076