March 19, 2003

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Diocese of Cheyenne has had a Sexual Misconduct Policy which was promulgated Sept. 27, 1994 by Bishop Joseph Hart. The Diocese has made every effort to follow the stipulations of this policy whenever something was brought to the Diocese’ attention. The policy was in need of review and revision. Also, in the wake of the recent scandals in the Catholic Church in the United States, it is my judgement that this policy needed to be revised, simplified and shortened, so that it would be truly helpful if any matter is brought before the Diocese with regard to sexual misconduct. Therefore, on this, the Feast of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the protector of the Church, I am happy to promulgate this Sexual Misconduct Policy for use in the Diocese of Cheyenne from this day forward.

Another revision which we have made in regard to this aspect of the Church, parish and diocesan life is the revision of what used to be called the Special Concerns Committee. This committee is now called the Diocesan Review Board and its mission and functions are in accordance with the mission and functions stipulated in the new Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People approved by the Holy See and promulgated by the Conference of Catholic Bishops on June 14, 2002.

You will notice that we have one priest, the Vicar General, who serves as the chairman of this Review Board and four lay people who will assist the chairman and me in processing whatever complaint may present itself in this area. One of the charges and tasks of this board will also be to help the Diocese to ensure that all of our churches and schools are places which are safe for our children and will help them truly to come to know the loving Jesus Christ.

I appreciate all of your understanding and cooperation in these past few months as the Diocese and the Church in this country have gone through considerable turmoil. Your support as the priests, deacons, religious and faithful have made it through this difficult time has been most edifying and is deeply appreciated. A special word of thanks goes out to the Special Concerns Committee of the past and to the Review Board to saying yes to this call in what is a difficult but very important ministry of the Church.

May God bless and protect each and every one of us and especially the little ones.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Rev. David L. Ricken DD, JCL
Bishop of Cheyenne

English Documents

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Diocesan Guidelines on Personal Interactions with Children and Young People

Memmbers of Diocesan Review Board

Ensuring A Safe Environment Both In and Out of Church

Child Abuse Reporting Form Page 1 and Page 2

Letter on sexual misconduct Feb. 2, 2004

John Jay Report

Spanish Documents

Diócesis de Cheyenne
Política de Mala Conducta Sexual

Decreto

Reporte de Mala Conducta

Diócesis de Cheyenne
Formulario para Reportar Abuso Sexual Correspondiente a
Abuso o Abandono de Menores

Reconocimiento Y Afirmacion