Dear Friends,

Over the past year or so, you may have noticed a wonderful development in our Saint Francis Catholic Community in Cuenca; we now have children as part of our Catholic family!  

Because of this most happy development, I want to remind all of us that the Church has a serious responsibility to assure that any children, adolescents, or vulnerable adults who might join us are treated with the utmost respect and that their safety is always something we do everything possible to guarantee. As does every diocese in North America, so too, the Archdiocese of Cuenca has very clear norms for how we deal with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults in our parishes.

It is important to remember that the appropriateness of our behavior with minors or vulnerable adults is determined by its impact upon the other person, not by our own intentions; our behavior must be such that it does not give even the appearance of impropriety.

Below is a synopsis of some of the norms that are most likely to affect us in our care for minors or vulnerable adults in our midst; I ask you to review them carefully and be actively conscious of putting them into practice in our community.

• As adults (other than parents) we should never be alone with a child, adolescent, or vulnerable adult; either a parent or another responsible adult should always be present.

• We are not to touch another’s child in a sensitive place or in an intimate manner.

  • Examples of touches that are acceptable:

    • Brief hugs if initiated by the child and with another adult or parent present.

    • A slight pat on the head or shoulder when another adult or parent is present.

    • Holding hands during group prayer.

    • A handshake or similar gesture.

  • Examples of touches that are not acceptable:

    • Pats or touches in sensitive areas of the child’s body.

    • Tickling of any kind.

    • Extended embraces or hugs.

    • Kisses of any kind on any part of the child’s body.

• We are not to offer gifts to children, adolescents, or vulnerable adults without parental permission.

• We do not discipline others’ children in any way that could be interpreted as abusive, mean, or disrespectful, which includes hitting, slapping, spanking, or speaking in a manner that is harsh or demeaning.

• We do not travel alone with children, adolescents, or vulnerable adults.

• We do not accompany children to bathrooms or assist them in those moments; that is to be done only by parents.

• We do not invite children, adolescents, or vulnerable adults to our personal homes without their parents present.

If we become aware of any behavior in our community that is not in accord with these norms, anything that “makes us nervous”, or that a reasonable person would find inappropriate, we should choose to report rather than not report.

The first person such reports should be made to would be myself or Padre Joffre Astudillo, our pastor. A written report may be requested. Any serious violation of these norms would then be passed on to the Archdiocese and handled according to their current policies. If you have questions or concerns about these norms, please feel free to bring them to my attention.

Sadly, such reminders as these are made necessary because of the inappropriate and deeply harmful behavior of some in the Church in the past. Anything we can do now to prevent such harm to the children in our community is a moral and spiritual responsibility that we must take seriously. 

You can read the Bishops of the United States' (USCCB) Charter on Protecting Children by clicking on the blue button below. 

Again, what a blessing it is to have children among us! Let us care for them well!

Blessings!

 

 

 

Father Kevin Codd

kacodd@gmail.com

Ecuador Tel: 099-726-0770

WhatsApp:  1-509-991-2411