Most Dioceses Comply With Abuse Policy, Survey Finds

The vast majority of the nation’s Catholic dioceses are complying with new rules on sexual abuse cases adopted by bishops in June, according to a survey released Friday by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The rules are being reviewed by the Vatican.

Of the 195 archdioceses and dioceses surveyed, 95% responded. Of those:

* 179 said they have a written policy on sexual abuse available to the public. Of the six replying in the negative, five said they are preparing a written policy. One did not answer the question.

* 156 dioceses and archdioceses reported having procedures for making a complaint readily available, in printed form, and the subject of a public announcement. Of the 29 replying in the negative, 13 said they plan to comply by October, the rest by the end of the year.

* 105 dioceses or archdioceses said they report past or old cases to civil authorities. Forty-eight said they did not and 33 gave incomplete responses.