Bishop Pledges Cooperation w/AG Concerning Clergy Sexual Misconduct

Springfield Diocesan Bishop Thomas Paprocki has pledged full cooperation in investigating claims of clergy sexual misconduct. The bishop's pledge follows Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's request to speak with the bishops of the Catholic dioceses of Illinois about how such claims are handled. Madigan has also set up avenues for the public to report misconduct.

Bishop Paprocki said, "I certainly agree to speak with her and pledge our diocese's full cooperation with law enforcement officials to make every available effort to protect our people. We welcome this opportunity to review the firm commitments we have made and the concrete steps we have taken to protect against clergy misconduct in our diocese. We are also willing to consider any additional actions that would be helpful in making our safe environment program more effective.

Information about the diocese's safe environment program and how to report abuse is available online at www.dio.org/safeenvironment.