2021 Bishop’s Annual Message Regarding the Protection of Children
2021 Bishop Francis Kalabat’s annual message regarding the Protecting God’s Children (PGC) program within our eparchy.
Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR)
In response to the Holy Father’s apostolic letter, and under the direction of Bishop Francis, the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle U.S.A has added the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) to our website chaldeanchurch.org/report.
Sentencing of Chaldean Church Worker Found Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse
Following the verdict of a former Chaldean Church worker, Bishop Francis Kalabat issues the following statement.
Regarding Chaldean Church Worker Found Guilty of Child Sexual Abuse
Following the verdict of a former Chaldean Church worker, Bishop Francis Kalabat issues the following statement.
2019 Bishop’s Annual Message Regarding the Protection of Children
2019 Bishop Francis Kalabat’s annual message regarding the Protecting God’s Children (PGC) program within our eparchy.
Bp. Francis Kalabat Meets with Fellow Bishops to Address Abuse Crisis
From June 11-14, Bp. Francis Kalabat met with fellow bishops for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 2019 Spring General Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland.
Update – Abuse Allegations
Sub-deacon Hurmiz Ishak (Najeeb) was able to fulfill his bond requirements on December 12, 2018 and therefore was allowed to be at home while the case is investigated by civil authorities.
Official Statement – Abuse Allegations
November 2, 2018
Official Diocesan Statement Regarding the Arrest of Hurmiz Risko Ishak:
The Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle, Southfield, Michigan is cooperating fully with local law enforcement authorities regarding the arrest of Hurmiz Risko Ishak on allegations of child sexual abuse.
Hurmiz, 65, also known as Najib, was hired in 1997 as a sacristan at St. Joseph Chaldean Church located in Troy. His duties included opening and closing the church daily and preparing the church for all the liturgies. As a sub-deacon, he assisted the priest in the masses, weddings and funerals. A sub-deacon (acolyte) in the Chaldean Church is not part of the Holy Orders therefore, is not allowed to perform any of the sacraments. Hurmiz was not trained in the seminary therefore, is not a cleric.
The recent allegation against Hurmiz Ishak was immediately reported to the authorities. He was also immediately dismissed from his position as sacristan.
The diocese encourages any person who has been sexually abused by clergy, personnel, or church volunteer to report the abuse to the bishop, regardless of when it occurred. Allegations may also be brought forward to the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Janan Senawi, at (248) 354-3066. Because this matter remains in the hands of law enforcement, neither the diocese nor the parish can comment further at this time.
Most Reverend Francis Y. Kalabat
Bishop of St. Thomas the Apostle
Chaldean Diocese – U.S.A.