1. Archdiocesan communications are to reflect transparency and openness, exercised within the context of legitimate protection of the reputation and privacy of persons and the common good of the Church (cf. Code of Canon Law, c. 223).

1.1 Archdiocesan communications should promote the development of cooperative and open relationships. To that end, the Archdiocese will communicate appropriately with the Christian faithful, the general public, and members of the media regarding complaints of child abuse.

1.2 The Archdiocese will not normally enter into confidentiality agreements, nor will it bind a complainant to confidentiality or nondisclosure as part of an agreement to provide services, support, treatment, or in settlement of financial claims. The Archbishop can authorize an exception to this norm only when the complainant has presented grave and/or substantial reasons for entering into such an agreement. The reasons for making this exception will be noted in the agreement.23

1.3 The Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia will oversee communications with a parish, school, or other archdiocesan institution affected by a complaint of child abuse. The Secretary for Communications will offer timely and pastorally appropriate information, in accord with these Policies and Procedures. The Secretary for Communications will also coordinate contact with the media concerning complaints of child abuse by clergy, archdiocesan personnel, or volunteers.

2. The investigation of a complaint of child abuse will be kept as confidential as the circumstances of an individual case allow, in order that the reputation of both the complainant and the accused are protected.

2.1 The Archdiocese will ensure that the complainant and accused person receive appropriate and timely information pertaining to any relevant actions taken by the Archdiocese.

2.2 Due care will be taken so that the good reputation of any person is not endangered by the communication of information during an investigation or canonical process related to a complaint of child abuse. The Archdiocese will strive to balance its doctrinal and canonical responsibilities to protect the good reputation, rights, and privacy of all persons involved and the common good of the Church (cf. Code of Canon Law, cc.

2.3 The Archdiocese will not make a public announcement concerning the initial receipt of a complaint of child abuse or the progress of an investigation, canonical trial, or administrative process, unless the Archbishop determines that the public good so requires.

2.4 When a complaint becomes public knowledge, the Archdiocese will offer no comment prior to the completion of its investigation other than a simple confirmation that a complaint has been received, that an appropriate report has been filed with civil authorities, and that the complaint is being investigated in accord with Church law (cf. Code of Canon Law, c. 1717 §2; USCCB, Essential Norms §6).

2.5 The Archdiocese will observe Church law on communications concerning a penal process for a delict that is reserved to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (Code of Canon Law, c. 1455 §§1, 3; Pope John Paul II, SST §25).

3. Information generated in connection with an investigation of alleged child abuse will be maintained in a confidential manner.

3.1 The following persons will have access to the information:

• the Delegate for Investigations and members of the investigative team;

• members of the Review Board, tribunal officials, and canonical assessors;

• the Bishop of a non-incardinated cleric or the competent superior of a member of an institute of consecrated

3.2 The Archdiocese will disclose such information as may be required by law, including pursuant to a lawfully issued subpoena or court order.

4. The Archdiocese will announce the restrictions or penalties lawfully imposed upon a person who is found to have committed an act of child abuse.

4.1 At the conclusion of an investigation, canonical trial, or administrative process, the Secretary for Communications will coordinate the announcement of any lawful restrictions placed on the ministry, work, or service of the accused.

4.2 When a person is acquitted following an investigation, the Secretary for Communications will coordinate the announcement of any steps to be taken to restore him/her to ministry, work, or service.