By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami
MIAMI | In April 2002, Father Neil Doherty was permanently removed from active ministry in the Archdiocese of Miami and the universal Catholic Church. Over these past 10 years, Father Doherty has been without faculties and has not been permitted to dress in clerical clothes, perform any Church or public sacramental ceremonies, or represent himself as a priest.
The Archdiocese of Miami has been forthcoming and taken steps to keep children safe in today�s society through its policy for �Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment for Children and Vulnerable Adults�. This policy includes extensive background screenings for all its employees, clergy, volunteers, and teachings. In addition, each adult is required to participate in the VIRTUS training and children are given age-appropriate lessons on staying safe.
As always, the Catholic Church�s concerns and prayers are for victims and their prevailing sense of justice and healing.
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse may contact the Archdiocese of Miami through the hotline at 1-866-802-2873. Any victim is instructed and encouraged to contact law enforcement officials as well.
The Archdiocese of Miami�s safe environment policy is available for review on the archdiocesan website www.miamiarch.org.
Mary Ross Agosta
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Miami
[email protected]
January 14, 2013
