SAGINAW — In response to some public reaction to the Friday, April 13 announcement by the Diocese of Saginaw — Bishop Cistone Appoints Special Independent Delegate to Oversee Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Sexual Misconduct — the independent delegate Judge Michael Talbot reaffirms his intention to immediately report to law enforcement authorities misconduct complaints.
“As delegate, I intend to comply with the mandatory requirements of The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Catholic bishops of the United States,” Judge Talbot said. “That document says in part:
‘Dioceses/eparchies are to report an allegation of sexual abuse of a person who is a minor to the public authorities. Dioceses/eparchies are to comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and cooperate in their investigation in accord with the law of the jurisdiction in question.’
“On the occasion a person contacts the Diocese Victim Assistance Coordinator to make a complaint of sexual abuse of minors by clergy or other diocesan representative, that person will be told about the diocesan reporting obligation and also will be encouraged to directly report the allegation to civil authorities,” Judge Talbot said. “As soon as the Diocese of Saginaw receives such a complaint it will be reported to the County Prosecutor where the abuse is alleged to have occurred.
“I also intend to seek formal reporting agreements with the 11 County Prosecutors in the Diocese of Saginaw. Beyond the legalities involved, it has been my experience that communication and full cooperation with local law enforcement serves this process well.”