Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

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ARCHDIOCESE 0F GALVESTON-HOUSTON
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Fo mmed (5 release

CONTACT: Jo Ann Zuniga, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Media

Relations Manager;

The Archdiocese ofGalveslonrHousmn is committed to rebuilding the trust of the faithful,
especially those personally affected by the clergy abuse scandal. One of the ways we are
currently working to achieve this goal is by engaging a independent consultant
and giving them unfettered access to Archdiocese records to help produce a list of priests
credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor dating back to 1950. We will produce this
comprehensive list by the end ofJanuary 2019, and cannot address your questions related to it at
this time as we do not wish to compromise the integrity of this important work by discussing it
before we have the full facts assembled. Also. we have previously responded to your requests for
an interview and our response remains unchanged.

KHOU Response

Regarding Father Peterson. he was immediately removed from ministry when the allegation was
received and throughout the criminal and civil processes In spite of being "no billed" by the
grand jury. Peterson was later involuntarily laicized 7 or "defmckef' as a priest 7 by Bishop
Fiorenza.

We want to make perfectly clear that we categorically dispute each of the contentions made by
the persons referenced in Question 4. Cardinal DiNardo has never been comfortable with the ring
tradition and he absolutely did not require or suggest that his ring be kissed. Unlike their
recollection he recalls apologizing to the family no fewer than three times: and of course he
offered pastoral care to the family.

Allow us to add:

The Archdiocese continues to encourage anyone with any information about potential abuse of
minors to inform civil authorities immediately.

As Cardinal DiNardo has pledged, we have been coopetating fully. and will continue
cooperating fully, with any investigation into any allegation of abuse against minors.

Cardinal DiNardo has already met with a number of persons who have alleged sexual abuse
against themselves or family members. He remains committed to providing pastoral outreach to
any victims of clergy sexual abuse.

* Finally, the only acceptable statistic as it relates to the abuse of minors is zero. According to
the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, the
average is down to seven cases per year nationwide in the most recent reporting period. Again,
the only acceptable number is zero — but your viewers deserve to have the current state of the
Church put in a factual context. The Dallas Charter reforms from 2002 have clearly had a
material, positive impact in addressing this evil.

END

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves 1.7 million Catholics in 10 counties.
It is the largest Roman Catholic diocese in Texas and the 5th largest in the United
States.
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