Following is an interview with Fr. Steven Reilly LC, about the Code of Conduct from the Legion of Christ.  To read the Code of Conduct, click here.

The Legionaries of Christ have just released a new Code of Conduct.  What is it, and why are you doing this? 

Actually it is not really new.  Our Code of Conduct was issued in 2009 and is a very important step in our Praesidium safe environment accreditation process. 

The Code gives the Legionaries helpful information about maintaining proper boundaries in their work with others, especially minors, but also adults.  It is much easier to maintain safe environments if everyone is clear on what is allowed and what is inappropriate.  The Code gives us a tool to pick up on the red flags and act upon them. 

We now want this Code to be available on our website where anyone can read it because we want others to know what we are doing to maintain safe environments.  And if the people we work with know our Code, they will help us to live it better. 

Tell us more about the Praesidium safe environment accreditation process you mentioned.

The leadership organization for religious orders of men, known as CMSM (the Conference of Major Superiors of Men) wanted to show that religious orders were implementing best practices to prevent the abuse of minors.  They enlisted the help of the Praesidium organization to develop an accreditation process.   CMSM adopted twenty-five accreditation standards and Praesidium audits the orders for compliance.  This involves site visits, interviews with members and detailed examination of the order’s documentation.  When all the standards are met, the order receives accreditation, and then regularly renews the process. 

How has the accreditation process worked so far?  Do you believe it has been effective in achieving its intended purpose? 

I think it has been a very positive experience.  There was a great deal of support both from superiors and our members.  I heard lots of comments on how the effort helped raise awareness and improved our work with both youth and adults. 

One of the best things about it was establishing a review board that consists of four laymen and a Legionary.  We have worked closely with the board.  They have great objectivity and aren’t afraid of asking tough questions.  Father Alvaro mentioned in his letter of May 25 about the cases we have dealt with in the U.S.  The Review Board’s input during those investigations was critically important. 

Can you give us a quick overview of the Code of Conduct and a breakdown of the areas it addresses? 

The first part lays out the basic boundaries policy for Legionaries in working with youth and with adults. As with any boundaries policy, there is an intervention method for violations, dealt with in the second part.  The third part explains the Legionary’s obligation to report to civil authorities any knowledge or suspicion of sexual abuse of minors.  Part four answers questions about pastoral confidentiality.  And finally, the fifth part outlines the process that the Legion will follow in the US when there is an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by one of our members. 

Besides the obvious ones, what have been the benefits of the accreditation process? 

People who bring concerns forward do us a service, because it causes us to take action.  People have certain expectations of priests and religious, and we have to take very seriously allegations of misconduct, whether they involve minors or adults.   We are committed to holding accountable anyone in our organization that has done wrong. 

I hope our efforts in the US will be helpful for the Legion in other countries.  Here we have learned a lot from Praesidium, as well as the CMSM and the US Bishops, and drawing from their experience has made us stronger in this country.  Of course, there are cultural differences that need to be respected, but hopefully this will enable us to make more progress worldwide. 

If someone has a concern or issue with a Legionary, what is the appropriate reporting process? 

I address allegations of sexual abuse of minors and can be reached by email, sreilly@legionaries.org or phone, 301-580-0340.  These are very serious situations, so it is important to also report your issue to the authorities.  We are totally committed to addressing these matters and especially to helping anyone who has been hurt.