Protecting Children

The Society of the Divine Word actively promotes the protection of children and youth as part of its overall mission to bring the Gospel message of salvation and hope to young people.

The Chicago Province has been proactive in child protection efforts for more than 50 years. It has observed the mandates of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Persons adopted in 2002 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as the Instruments of Hope and Healing: Safeguarding Children and Young People / Standards for Accreditation of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the national organization for male religious congregations, institutes and monasteries.

Since 2007, the Chicago Province has been accredited by Praesidium, Inc., an independent organization providing a full range of child protection services to more than 4,400 youth serving organizations. In granting accreditation, Praesidium determined that the Chicago Province of the Society of the Divine Word is in compliance with the highest current national standards for protecting children. Following an extensive audit, the accreditation agency stated, "They have acted upon the call to more accountability and transparency in how to protect children, handle allegations of sexual abuse, reach out to victims, and supervise members who have sexually abused."

Words cannot express the deep sorrow felt for the harm caused to the victims / survivors of sexual abuse and their families. We hope that the information provided herein and the efforts of the Divine Word Missionary priests and brothers of the Chicago Province will contribute to reconciliation and healing.

Click on the links to the left to learn more about the ongoing efforts of the Chicago Province to ensure accountability and transparency, protect children and youth from sexual abuse, understand the procedure for reporting sexual abuse and view the names of those who have been credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor.