PRESS CONFERENCE: Archbishop Carlson invites Attorney General to conduct independent review

ST. LOUIS – Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, announced today that he has invited the Missouri Attorney General to conduct a review of the Archdiocese of St. Louis with regard to clergy sexual abuse.

“The Archdiocese of St. Louis, during my episcopacy here, has always placed the protection of children and youth as one of our highest priorities,” Archbishop Carlson said. “To this end, we have always cooperated with law enforcement in any investigation into these matters and we will continue to do so. Last year, I instructed that a review of our safe environment protocols to protect children be undertaken by a former member of the FBI with experience in this area. She found our protocols to be appropriate and robust.

“As I have stated previously, today no clergy against whom a substantiated claim of abuse of a minor has been made have permission to conduct priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.”

The Archdiocese of St. Louis directs all persons with reports of abuse involving a member of the clergy or other church personnel to contact the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800.392.3738 and/or law enforcement officials. Concerns may also be directed to Sandra Price, Executive Director of the archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at 314.792.7271.