Marking the 20th Anniversary of the Dallas Charter

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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Archdiocese of Detroit in 2022 prepared these resources on the local implementation and impact of the Charter, with a focus on reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of clerical sexual abuse in the Church.

“Twenty years ago, in early 2002, numerous reports surfaced confirming decades of child sexual abuse by Catholic priests and callous indifference from Church leaders. The victim-survivors of this abuse bravely bared their wounds, detailed their experiences, and demanded reform.” 

Letter from Archbishop Vigneron

Summary of implementation and impact

by Judge Michael Talbot, Chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board and retired Michigan Court of Appeals Judge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dallas Charter? How has it changed the Church’s response to abuse allegations and approach to safety?

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: 

“This month marks the twentieth anniversary of the passage of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. This is not a time of celebration, but a time of continued vigilance and determination."

Read full statement

Full-resolution versions of the graphics above can be accessed here

El report y los materials en español están disponibles aquí.

Individuals with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy or other Church representatives are urged to contact local law enforcement and/or the Michigan Attorney General’s Office at (844) 324-3374 or aginvestigations@michigan.gov.

Individuals also may contact the Archdiocese of Detroit by visiting protect.aod.org or by calling the 24/7 victim assistance line at (866) 343-8055 or by emailing vac@aod.org. There are no time limits or restrictions on individuals wishing to report abuse.

For more information on the Archdiocese of Detroit’s response to abuse and commitment to preventing future incidents from occurring in our communities, please visit protect.aod.org.