New York City, N.Y., Sep 20, 2018 / 12:48 pm
The Archbishop of New York has announced the appointment of an archdiocesan special counsel, who will be tasked with an independent review of protocols for responding to allegations of sexual abuse.
At a press conference Sept. 20, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said that retired federal Judge Barbara Jones will undertake "an exhaustive study of our policies, procedures, and protocols on how we deal with any accusation that comes to us about an alleged abuse of a young person by a priest, deacon, or a bishop."
"I have promised her complete access to our records, personnel, and to me personally," Dolan said.
The cardinal said that in recent months clergy members, Catholics, and other community members have conveyed to him the importance of "accountability, transparency, and action."