June 1, 2020, marks the one-year anniversary of the effective date of the Apostolic Letter, “Vos estis lux mundi,” issued by our Holy Father Pope Francis. The Pope’s letter establishes new procedures to combat sexual abuse and to ensure that bishops and religious superiors are held accountable for their actions.
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.
CBAR allows any individual to relay to Church authorities abuse perpetrated by any U.S. Catholic bishop. Article 9 of Vos estis lux mundi discusses procedures applicable to Eastern Rite dioceses.
The Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle encourages individuals to report clergy sexual abuse of minors and others directly to law enforcement – no matter when the abuse occurred. There are no deadlines or time limits on those who wish to come forward for help; our diocese accepts and responds to all reports.
For more information, visit chaldeanchurch.org/protect.