DIOCESE OF ORANGE REASSERTS ITS COMMITMENT
TO PROTECT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

July 19, 2003 -- The Diocese of Orange continues to live up to its commitment for the protection of children. Bishop Tod Brown remains steadfast in his requirement that all clergy and lay staff in the Diocese exercise their ministry with great respect for the dignity of the human person, most particularly children. According to Bishop Brown, “No conduct that violates or denigrates this essential dignity is acceptable in the Church”.

Upon learning that a computer formerly belonging to a member of the clergy in the diocese contained a list of pornographic internet web sites, Diocesan officials immediately contacted the Santa Ana Police Department and requested an investigation of the material on the computer. The Diocese voluntarily turned over the computer and allowed the police access to any staff or clergy for interviews as the investigating officers found necessary.

The investigation was conducted without interference and with the support and cooperation of the Diocese. Santa Ana Police Department concluded their investigation without an arrest. The matter was turned over to the Orange County District Attorney for review. No criminal charges of any kind were filed.

The Diocese followed its policy regarding sexual misconduct by clergy and church personnel by immediately submitting the matter to law enforcement and cooperating with the investigation. The Diocese further followed its policy by submitting the matter to its Sexual Misconduct Oversight and Review Board for review of the results of the police investigation, the District Attorney’s office conclusions, and the activity taken by the Bishop in response to the allegations. The priest who was the former owner of the computer did not admit to nor was he found to have engaged in conduct that would warrant removal from ministry as required by the Diocesan policy against sexual misconduct with minors.

Bishop Brown considers the finding of a list of pornographic sites on a computer a serious matter warranting his immediate attention and action. In addition to turning the matter over to law enforcement and to review by the Sexual Misconduct Oversight and Review Board, Bishop Brown required a comprehensive psychological evaluation of the priest. Bishop Brown has also required precautionary measures in the form of restricted ministry, professional counseling and continued monitoring of the conduct of the priest both for the sake of families as well as the priest. The Sexual Misconduct and Oversight Review Board will continue its oversight of this case until it is resolved.

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