Church in Crisis

On March 1, 2019 the Diocese of Columbus released a list of "Clergy Credibly Accused of Abuse of a Minor." Find a letter from Bishop Campbell and the full list at columbuscatholic.org.

On March 8, 2019 the Paulist Fathers released a "List of Paulist Fathers Credibly Accused of Sexual Misconduct." Find a statement and the complete list at paulist.org/protectingchildren.

We are here to listen and support our faith community. Reach out to any one of our Paulist Fathers or pastoral staff members at any time.
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Protecting God's Children
All Newman Center priests and lay staff, as well as volunteers who interact with children are required to get BCI/FBI background checks and go through the Virtus Protecting God's Children training workshop. 

Reporting Procedures
The Newman Center staff and ministry leaders are required to immediately report any suspected case of sexual abuse and/or child endangerment, abuse or neglect to:
  • Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services: (614) 229-7000
  • Or Franklin County sheriff's office: (614) 462-3355
  • Or, in case of emergency: 911
Allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or other church staff:
  • Report to Department of Job and Family Services: (614) 229-7000
  • Report to the Diocesan Victim's Assistance Coordinator, the Rev. Msgr. Stephan Moloney at (614) 224-2251 or
    866-448-0217 or email
    helpisavailable@columbuscatholic.org
  • Report to Safe Environment Officer for the Paulist Fathers - Fr. John Behnke, C.S.P.: (212) 757-8072 x284 or johnbehnke@paulist.org
Confidential Complaint Form
  • Complete the Complaint Form for Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and mail to the Chancellor of the Diocese of Columbus

In Response to the Clergy Abuse Crisis

Listening Sessions
The Newman Center has hosted three listening sessions during the 2018-19 year to discuss the clergy abuse crisis and answer questions. At this time, no more sessions are being planned. However, we are always here to listen and support our community. Please feel free to contact the Paulist Fathers or Pastoral Staff at any time.
In April 2019, the Newman Center hosted Michael Mack’s “powerful” (Washington Post) and “magnificent” (New York Theatre Guide) one-man, 90-minute play Conversations with My Molester: A Journey of Faith. Mack's boyhood dream of becoming a Catholic priest ended when his pastor first invited him to the rectory. This play is Mack's spiritual autobiography – a true story of trespass, grace, and the odyssey of healing that led him back to the Catholic Church. His multiple prize-winning work has been praised by secular and religious sources alike. A post-show discussion followed featuring Michael Mack and clergy. For more information, please visit michaelmacklive.com.
Michael Mack on WOSU's All Sides with Ann Fisher
  • Listen to Michael and other experts in the field talk about Using Art Therapy for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
We are here to listen and support our faith community. Please contact any one of our Paulist Fathers or pastoral staff members at any time.