Victims' advocate appointed

The newly created position is in direct response to policies adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and supported by the Vatican.

In addition, Bishop Hubbard has announced the expansion of the diocesan sexual misconduct panel and formally named the diocesan investigator of sexual misconduct.

A statement from the Chancery described the appointments as "designed to help address the Church's commitment to deal appropriately and effectively with cases of sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other Church personnel.

"This effort includes a policy of being as open as possible with the people in parishes and communities about instances of sexual abuse of minors, with respect always for the privacy and the reputation of the individuals involved. The Diocese is committed to the pastoral and spiritual care, and emotional well-being of those who have been sexually abused and of their families."

The sexual misconduct panel, which will function as a confidential consultative body to the Bishop, consists of:

* Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling, a New York State Administrative Law Judge;

* Rev. Geoffrey Burke, pastor of Our Lady of Assumption parish in Latham;

* Margaret Griffin, RN, a nurse practitioner;

* Kathryn Martin, CSW, a certified social worker;

* Dr. John Purcell, a psychologist;

* Catherine Rooney, RN, a retired psychiatric nurse;

* Rev. Robert Roos, a retired pastor and former chancellor of the Diocese; and

* Christopher P. Rutnik, a defense attorney in private practice and a former Albany County assistant district attorney.

Among the review board members are parents, grandparents and a victim/survivor.

The review board will advise Bishop Hubbard in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors, review diocesan policies for dealing with sexual abuse of minors, and offer advice on all aspects of these cases, whether retrospectively or prospectively.

Assisting the panel will be Thomas Martin, a retired senior investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation of the New York State Police. He served with the state police for 28 years, 22 of them as an investigator.

(12-05-02) [[In-content Ad]]