Standards of Episcopal Conduct

Standards of Episcopal Conduct
Diocese of Bismarck  

Effective January 1, 2019 
Most Reverend David D. Kagan, D.D., P.A., J.C.L.

1. Diocesan and Eparchial Codes of Conduct:  it is to be clearly stated that the Code of Conduct applies to the bishop (s) of the diocese; and it is to reflect that it not only applies to children and young people but also misconduct with or harassment of adults.
2. Protection of Children and Young People:  states again that the requirements of the Charter apply to bishops; sexual abuse of a minor is a crime in Church Law and a civil crime and must be reported to proper civil authority; we will continue to reach out to victims and survivors for their care and healing; we will review our annual audits at our Provincial meeting in order to assist one another in any way needed.
3. Sexual Misconduct with an Adult by a Bishop:  this is a grievous sin against the Sixth Commandment and as such the bishop will practice chastity at all times.  This excludes the “double life”, any “special circumstances” or anything used as an excuse to be free of chastity.  The bishop will maintain appropriate emotional and sexual boundaries in all relationships-professional and personal.
4. Sexual Harassment of an Adult by a Bishop: the bishop will not engage in this activity with any person and he will not tolerate it of any person by others serving the Church.
5. Responding to Allegations of Sexual abuse of Minors or Sexual Misconduct with or Harassment of Adults by Priests or Deacons:  provide for the immediate pastoral care of the person making the claim; if it is sexual abuse of a minor follow to the letter the Charter and Essential Norms and notify the appropriate civil authorities in each instance; for sexual misconduct with or harassment of an adult by a priest or deacon, bishop will investigate the matter in accord with Canon Law and the established diocesan procedures.
6. Reporting and Resolving claims against the Bishop:  until such time as Rome decides differently, all such claims are to be made directly to the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, D.C., with the request that they be forwarded to Rome.
7. Further Commitments to Ensure Integrity:  the bishop will keep himself informed of best practices of management and human resources; each Metropolitan Archbishop will exercise with renewed vigor his obligation of vigilance over the observance of ecclesiastical discipline in the Province and when necessary inform the Pope of any offenses that occur.