November 18, 2002

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Statement concerning lawsuits filed today

        The Archdiocese of Portland has learned through the news media that lawsuits
have been filed alleging child abuse by priests in the 1960's and 1970's. The
Archdiocese has not yet seen these lawsuits filed by Dan Gatti.

        We reject Mr. Gatti's reported assertion that "the church doesn't get it." We believe
that the Child Abuse Policy of the Archdiocese of Portland is a very clear statement of
the importance of protecting children in our parishes and schools and of our
commitment to this effort. We also point out that Archdiocesan policy actually goes
beyond the law of Oregon regarding mandatory reporting of child abuse to state
authorities.

        The policy states that the first response to child abuse is to report to civil authorities:
"immediate and direct reporting to the proper civil authorities." The policy continues that
the next response "should be assistance to bring healing and pastoral care wherever
that is possible."

        The Archdiocesan Child Abuse Policy states, "child abuse of any kind is never to be
tolerated." The policy recognizes that "it is vigilance that prevents abuse and sees that
no child, no one at all, is victimized by such sinful and hurtful behavior. The
Archdiocese has promulgated this policy to focus and aid that vigilance."
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