NKCC

Image source: usccb.org

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke all address Jesus’ blessing of the children. “Let the children come to Me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Jesus emphasized the openness and trust with which children approach life. It is sad to reflect on the fact that adults have abused this openness for their own personal sat­isfaction and/or pleasure. Parents, too, trust that other adults who come in contact with their children will regard, in every aspect, the dignity that is inherent in every human person.

The abuse that occurred in the Catholic Church in the United States and around the world, will remain for­ever a stain on the Church. As people of faith, we must have compassion for the victims of such abuse. We are obli­gated, as well, to continue to maintain and support the pro­grams that have been put in place to protect every child who has contact with Church staff members and volunteers.

In 2003, the Bishops of the United States mandated that a Safe Environments Program be implemented throughout the country in every church, school, or agency that has contact with children.

The goal of Safe Environments is to protect our children from predatory behavior. It requires background checks on every staff member and every volunteer who comes into contact with our children in the process of doing ministry. Safe Environment Programs provide age-related instruction for children and their parents on what actions, procedures, and policies are in place.

As Christians, we all share in the responsibility to protect our children from harm and to give them the love they need to value themselves as seekers of the Kingdom.