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Byzantine
Catholic
Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Communications Policy
Effective Date
With the final review and approval of the Archieparchial
Review Board, this policy takes effect on August
1, 2003.
Policy Objective
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that communications
from and throughout the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh on issues
related to the protection of children and reports of sexual
misconduct on the part of the clergy or an employee of
the Archeparchy are coordinated, effectively managed and
responsive to the diverse information needs of the members
of the Archeparchy and the general public.
Policy Statement
It is the policy of the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
to:
| 1. |
Provide
members of the Archeparchy and the public with timely,
accurate, and complete information about its policies,
programs, services and initiatives regarding the implementation
of its Policy on Sexual Misconduct, adopted February
2003. As noted in The Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People adopted by the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 2002, within
the confines of respect for the privacy and reputation
of the individuals involved, the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
will deal as openly as possible with members of the
community. This means that the Archeparchy will share
information unless there is a serious reason to maintain
confidentiality. Matters under litigation, unsubstantiated
allegations, and information which a victim has asked
the diocese to keep private are examples of possible
exemptions. Decisions on exemptions will be made by
the Director of Communications in consultation with
key Archieparchial staff. |
| 2. |
Ensure
that members of the Archeparchy have access to information
on how to report sexual misconduct, how to obtain
needed assistance, and what the Archeparchy is doing
to ensure “safe environments” for children
and young people within its parishes and organizations.
The Archeparchy will disseminate information as it
is available and repeat it periodically to ensure
the broadest possible awareness of programs and key
contacts, employing a variety of ways and means to
communicate. Information will be provided in multiple
formats to accommodate diverse needs, including but
not limited to parish bulletin inserts, the Archieparchial
newspaper and website, and secular media where appropriate. |
| 3. |
Identify
and address communication needs and issues routinely
in the development, implementation and evaluation
of policies and programs, and in responding to individual
cases reported. Internal (parish communities) and
external (general public) communication needs must
be identified and met when planning, managing or reviewing
policies, programs and actions resulting from reported
cases of sexual misconduct. |
| 4. |
Safeguard
the Church community’s trust and confidence
in the integrity and pastoral concern of the Archeparchy.
Members of the entire Church community especially
need to know that the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is
genuinely committed to the protection of children
and young people and to dealing justly and compassionately
with victims, the accused and perpetrators of sexual
abuse/misconduct. |
| 5. |
Ensure
all institutions and organizations of the Archeparchy
of Pittsburgh work collaboratively to achieve coherent
and effective communications with its members primarily
as well as the general public. Coordination within,
between and among offices and institutions of the
Archeparchy is imperative to ensure coherent and consistent
communications. |
| 6. |
Work
with Communications staff of other Eparchies within
the Metropolia to enhance overall responsiveness,
effectiveness and consistency of communications in
these matters for the Byzantine Catholic Church of
America. Just as coordination of communication within
the Archeparchy is important, discussion and sharing
of best practices for communications with other Eparchies
within the Metropolia will help to ensure continual
improvement in meeting and serving the needs of the
Church community. |
| 7. |
Periodically
review and update the Archeparchy’s Communications
Policy on Sexual Misconduct. |
Policy Requirements
1. |
Informing
and Serving Members of the Archeparchy
Informing
and serving the members of the Archeparchy takes
precedence in all communications concerns. When
the Archeparchy takes any action regarding a matter
of sexual misconduct impacting a specific parish
community, the community will be informed first
by the Metropolitan or his designated delegate before
any public statement or communication is made. |
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2. |
Communications
Plan
A
strategic communications plan is a critical tool
for effectively implementing the tenets of the Communications
Policy for Sexual Misconduct. The Director of Communications,
with the guidance and review of the Metropolitan
and key Archieparchial staff, will develop an internal
document detailing the goals, guidelines and tasks
needed to achieve them in areas including but not
limited to:
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communications
to members on the Sexual Misconduct Policy and
Procedures, Safe Environment program, etc. |
| •
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proactive
media efforts on related issues (news conferences,
advisories, releases, issuing reports, etc.) |
| • |
response
to media inquiries in related matters |
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3. |
Media
Relations
Journalists
and other media representatives play an important
role in meeting public information needs. The Director
of Communications, as the primary information officer
for the Archeparchy, must cultivate proactive relations
with the media to promote public awareness and understanding
of the Archeparchy’s policies, programs, services
and actions as needed regarding implementation of
its Policy on Sexual Misconduct as well as other
Archieparchial matters. These relationships should
include editors, editorial boards, and executives
of media organizations in addition to reporters.
The Archeparchy will make every reasonable effort
to respond effectively in a 24-hour media environment.
As much as possible with existing resources, the
Director of Communications will be able, on short
notice, to reach, inform and respond to the media,
especially on serious issues relating to the protection
of children and young people. |
4. |
Spokespersons
The
Director of Communications is the principal spokesperson
of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and the official
liaison with the media regarding matters relating
to the Archeparchy’s policies and efforts
regarding the protection of children and young people.
On occasion as appropriate and available, the Metropolitan
or a designated delegate may speak with the media
on behalf of the Archeparchy.
All requests for interviews, information and other
materials from journalists and other media representatives
should be directed to the Director of Communications.
All key Archieparchial and parish staff will be
informed of this policy and asked to refer any inquiries
to the Director of Communications.
In order to effectively perform the responsibilities
of this office and the duties assigned, the Director
of Communications will be fully briefed on relevant
past and current matters and kept fully informed
of all future developments. |
5. |
Public
Events and Announcements
The
Archeparchy will identify appropriate opportunities
to inform the public about significant initiatives
of the Archeparchy as needed. Public events and
announcements, including news conferences, may be
arranged from time to time for communication purposes. |
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