The Diocese of St. Petersburg complies with all applicable civil laws concerning the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and we fully cooperate in their investigation conducted by civil authorities, in accordance with state and federal law. We report cases to law enforcement even when the complainant is no longer a minor. In every instance, we encourage victims to make a report to public authorities.

We denounce sexual abuse of minors and all individuals as a reprehensible crime and believe perpetrators should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Any priest, deacon, employee or volunteer who has committed even one act of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult is permanently removed from ministry.