In early November a new film, "Spotlight," which portrays the Boston Globe's Pulitzer-Prize-winning 2002 coverage of the Massachusetts clerical sexual abuse crisis, will open nationwide. The Archdiocese of Chicago anticipates the release of the film will bring renewed interest, media coverage and questions regarding clerical sexual misconduct with minors.
Clerical sexual abuse of minors is a tragedy and a painful chapter in the Catholic faith, especially for the victims of abuse and their families. The Archdiocese of Chicago, like many organizations, has struggled with this issue. But the archdiocese took decisive action early — more than 20 years ago — to deal with this issue head-on.
It has in place a multi-faceted, comprehensive approach to addressing this issue and it's efforts have been effective in stopping virtually all clerical sexual abuse of minors since 1992. What's more, its effort and commitment are ongoing.
Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the film or the policies and procedures in the archdiocese can contact his of her pastor or Father Ron Hicks, the vicar general, at 312-534-8271.
The abuse of any child is a crime and a sin. The archdiocese encourages anyone who has been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee, to come forward. Complete information about reporting sexual abuse can be found on the archdiocesan website at www.protectandhealchicago. org.