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Ministry with Minors and Pastoral Conduct The Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus recognizes that sexual abuse by members of religious communities constitutes a profound violation of trust in human and professional relationships and can cause confusion and devastating pain for the abused, their families, the local community and the Church at large. Consistent with the directives of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) and Improving Pastoral Care and Accountability in Response to the Tragedy of Sexual Abuse (Conference of the Major Superiors of Men), the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus will seek to respond firstly to the complainant, and secondly, to the problems that are caused by sexual abuse. In all circumstances, we will strive toward healing and reconciliation. The Maryland Province has participated since 2003 in the "Instruments of Hope and Healing" program of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men so that our leadership might constantly improve our program of response to victims, prevention of sexual abuse and supervision of offending members. To this end, the Maryland Province has developed a policy on Sexual Abuse. All Jesuits in the Maryland Province have participated in a three-hour training session about the policy. In addition to establishing that policy, the Maryland Province has also created a policy on ethical pastoral conduct. This policy is a "code of conduct" for all Jesuits of the Maryland Province in any pastoral situation. All Jesuits in the Maryland Province have participated in a three-hour training session about the policy. In order to effectively implement these policies, the Maryland Province Review Board was created. The Maryland Province Review Board will review and investigate allegations of misconduct with minors or adults by Jesuits, orientate the response to the victims, and monitor the supervision of any offending Jesuits. In order to enhance the response to a complainant, the Maryland Province Review Board has named a Victim Assistance Coordinator who can be reached at anytime. On this web page you will find links to the two policies, to members of the Review Board and to other useful information. The Province Review Board can be reached at: Maryland Province Review Board
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