The Obligation to Report

The Society of St. Pius X, as a Catholic religious congregation, cares about the safety and lives of everyone who comes to us for Mass, attends our schools, or visits our events. We want to do everything we can to protect, in particular, the vulnerable and young.

The District Superior of the Society of St. Pius X in America directs all personnel that know of abuse, and all people who are victims of abuse, those wishing to submit their complaints concerning the comportment of one of its members or employees, or that are presented with a reasonable claim or suspicion of child abuse, to report the matter to local law enforcement or child protective services.

If anyone has reason to believe or might suspect that there is or has been abuse involving clergy, employees, volunteers, or children attending SSPX schools, parish religious education programs, or other church-related events, those suspicions or allegations are to be reported to local law enforcement or child protective services.

We encourage anyone with credible allegations to come forward as soon as they learn of suspected abuse. We work with all civil authorities and child protection agencies in these matters.

Protecting Both Victims and the Accused

The obligation to report to local authorities is a serious and far-reaching matter which must not be neglected. For the sake of the protection of the victims, and of those being accused, a report must be made after due consideration and, where needed, after consultation. Anyone reporting does not have to make a determination as to whether a crime took place, but only as to whether certain conduct or activities should at least be investigated by the proper authorities; it is up to the proper authorities to make a determination as to whether charges should be filed or not.

Every allegation will be treated seriously and immediate steps will be taken to protect the alleged victim(s). These actions will be taken discreetly so as to protect the confidentiality and the rights of both the victim and the alleged perpetrator.

For media inquiries, we operate on a strict need-to-know basis. It may happen that we can't comment on ongoing investigations. It might also happen that the victims or their families do not want to be known publicly.