Though the Vatican earlier this week made it clear that bishops and clerics worldwide should report sex abuse crimes to police if they are required to by law, that policy has been in place in Central Texas for more than nine years. The Diocese of Austin, which covers 25 Central Texas counties including Bell, established the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry program in the fall of 2001 to educate and screen individuals who would be working with youths.
"Anyone who is going to do ministry in a Catholic church with young, elderly or vulnerable people must go through this program before they are approved to participate in ministry," said Christian Gonzalez, director of communications for the Diocese of Austin.
The program was started by Gregory Aymond, then-bishop of Austin, prior to the sex scandals that rocked the Boston area in 2002. In a 2008 letter to congregants, Aymond wrote "it was borne out of recognition that the church must first be a protector of all God's children."
The program has since become a standard bearer when it comes to setting up these types of programs, Gonzalez said.
"It has became a model for several dioceses in the nation," said Emily Hurlimann, coordinator of the program.
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