An independent report commissioned by the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to examine its policies and procedures for assessing allegations of sexual abuse of children found “shortcomings, inaction and confusing procedures,” said Todd P. Graves, the former U.S. attorney who headed the investigation. The key finding of the report, released on Sept. 1 by the diocese, was that “diocesan leaders failed to follow their own policies and procedures for responding to reports” relating to abuse claims lodged against two priests. The 138-page report faulted Msgr. Robert Murphy, the diocesan vicar general, who “waited too long to advise the [diocesan] Independent Review Board…of the allegations.” While still vicar general, Monsignor Murphy has been relieved of duties relating to clergy sexual abuse allegations. One issue was his delayed decision to contact police over the suspected misconduct of the Rev. Shawn Ratigan, who was eventually arrested.
'Shortcomings' in Abuse Procedures
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In this episode of Inside the Vatican, Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the 2025 Jubilee Year, beginning on Christmas Eve 2024 and ending in January 2026.
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Inspired by his friend and mentor Henri Nouwen, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, leader of Ukrainian Catholics in the U.S., invites listeners in his Christmas Eve homily to approach the manger with renewed awe and openness.