Protecting God’s Children

Brother Visitor’s Pastoral Letter

Dear Friends,

The De La Salle Christian Brothers were founded to serve the poor and neglected young boys who roamed the streets of Reims unsupervised and with little hope for a future. Our Religious Institute was founded to provide just treatment in an unjust society. This is even a greater need today.

The fact that some of our members have abused these same persons we were sent to protect and to offer greater opportunity for life is abhorrent. We condemn any abuse of persons – young or old – at any time and in any place and under any circumstances. Our faith tells us that every human person possesses the dignity given by God at birth. We, who profess this faith, must uphold that dignity and never be perpetrators of any form of abuse. We are committed to safeguarding children, adolescents, young men and women, and vulnerable adults. We will not tolerate any form of sexual abuse.

We are deeply saddened that instances of abuse have occurred. We are embarrassed that some of our men have been the persons who have abused. Such behavior cannot and will not be tolerated.

The De La Salle Christian Brothers of the Midwest have a Policy (Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults) outlining the behaviors to which we must adhere. And we have collaborated with Praesidium, the organization that has set national standards of behavior to which religious communities and their members must adhere. Praesidium provides continuing education and monitoring of our religious community and we will maintain our relationship with Praesidium.

Our Brothers have been and will continue to be required to undergo this training, and to adhere to national and provincial policy standards, so that a safe environment for children, young men and women, and vulnerable adults is part of our living culture. In addition we use approved and appropriate psychological assessments to screen all new candidates who desire to join our community.

Our response to those who have experienced abuse is swift and any of our members who has been credibly accused is appropriately disciplined and restricted from further contact with the young or vulnerable adults and his behavior is strictly monitored.

Through initial screening of candidates to training and ongoing education of our members, as well as definitive action that addresses any abuser, we intend to create and sustain safe environments for all persons.

If you have been sexually abused of if you know of one of our men who has perpetrated sexual abuse, contact Brother Thomas Hetland (Safeguarding Coordinator) at 630-323-3725 or thetland@cbmidwest.org.

Join us in making the world safe for all people no matter their age or station in life. Together, may we bring healing to all those who suffer and especially may we De La Salle Christian Brothers strive to bring healing to those who have suffered abuse at our hands.

Sincerely,

Brother Michael Fehrenbach FSC

Provincial/Visitor

CBMW District Policy Manual for the Protection of Children