Diocese of Belleville, Illinois: Diocesan Resources

Letter from Bishop Gregory

July, 2003

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Diocese of Belleville is deeply committed to protecting children. This pledge includes protection from sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect by any clergy, religious or lay person under the auspices of the Diocese. The Child Protection Policy set forth in this document describes the nature and extent of this commitment.

I am grateful to the people who fashioned and implemented the previous child protection policies promulgated in 1990 and again in 1993. These policies demonstrated progressive and innovative leadership in this critical area long before the current crisis. The updated policies in this new text reflect the insights and directions included in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June, 2002. While these new policies are consistent with the approach taken in the 1990’s, this current document supercedes previous policies.

Any abuse of any child is reprehensible. Since children are vulnerable and cannot protect themselves, we adults of the Diocese of Belleville must protect them. I urge all people to be vigilant, to learn to identify the usual signs of sexual abuse, physical abuse or neglect, and to report these suspicions to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Hotline, 1-800-252-2873. I particularly encourage people who are being abused, or were abused, by anyone associated with the Diocese to call this Hotline number. People under the supervision of the Diocese who have substantial contact with children must have background checks and receive training on these issues, as indicated in this document.

My personal pledge, and the Diocesan pledge, is to assist any victim of child abuse with the many levels of support described in this policy. Our commitment also includes the guarantee that we will immediately implement the procedures included here regarding any abuser.

Notwithstanding the incidents of child abuse which have occurred in our Diocese for which we are truly sorry, we remain a vibrant Catholic community in Southern Illinois. We draw upon our deep faith, underlying hope, and generous love as we deal with this issue in particular, and life in general. May God’s blessings continue to guide us on our journey.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Wilton D. Gregory
Bishop of Belleville

Diocese of Belleville
The Chancery
222 South Third Street
Belleville, IL 62220

phone: 618.277.8181
fax: 618.277.0387
email: info@diobelle.org