New Bend Bishop Addresses Toughest Issue

In light of a case now in the court system, the biggest challenge for newly ordained Bishop Liam Cary of the Diocese of Baker has ahead of him is making sure his new diocese is compliant with a charter that was put in place to protect kids from sexual abuse.

Over the years, dozens of sex abuse cases involving Catholic priests and children have come to light nationally, four within the Diocese of Baker.

Cary, who was ordained last Friday, is taking that role at an interesting time.

A 2011 report by the United Conference of Catholic Bishops said the Baker Diocese was one of two that refused to be audited for a program designed to curb sexual abuse within the church.

Since the report was published, Bishop Cary says things have changed.

“We are now in fact, in compliance with the charter, as of this year,” said Cary. “I’ve talked with Bishop William Skylstad, who was the administrator over the last 15 months, and he assured me that we are in compliance with that now.”

Students and parents that are members of a church are now taught the warning signs of a possible abuser, how to identify someone who may be abused and how to report it.

“This is obviously, for any bishop, has to be a very very high priority — very high priority,” said Cary, “I’ve met with people who have been abused. I know what’s that’s like and to hear their stories. We have to do everything we can to see that it doesn’t happen.”

Cary says parents are the prime educator for their children.

To help them on a sensitive subject like sex abuse and how to talk with their kids, the Catholic church will now be there to help.