Press Release About Independent Commission

On October 23, 2018, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, after consultation with lay leadership, issued a decree appointing an independent commission to review all personnel files of clerics and religious men and women who have served in the Archdiocese of Anchorage since its canonical establishment in 1966. The commission will also review allegations of sexual misconduct of lay volunteers and employees reported to the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

The members of this commission have over 50 years of combined experience in law enforcement, prosecutorial and judicial service. Shirley Cote has thirty years of experience with the Anchorage Police Department and after retiring as a Captain, she served as Chief of the Soldotna Police Department. Rachel Gernat has over a decade of experience as a former prosecutor of crimes against children and vulnerable adults. Michael Spaan has practiced law since the 1970’s, served as U.S. Attorney from 1981-1989 and as a judicial officer for over a decade.

The Commission will deliver directly to Archbishop Etienne, a written report to include a list of all individuals determined to have credible allegations of sexual misconduct. This report may also include any individuals, who through gross negligence, failed to adequately respond to such misconduct. The Commission is asked to make recommendations on improvements regarding Archdiocesan governance, policies and procedures concerning sexual misconduct. The review is expected to begin October 31, 2018 and may take up to nine months to complete.

The goal of this independent review is, after consultation with the Archdiocesan Review Board, for the Archbishop to publish the findings of the review including the names of church personnel with credible allegations of sexual misconduct committed against minors and vulnerable adults as defined in both civil and/or canon law.

Archbishop Etienne apologizes to anyone who has been harmed by someone representing the Catholic Church and encourages those harmed to report their experience directly to their local law enforcement. With this review Archbishop Etienne seeks to open pathways of justice and healing for all who were abused and for the people of the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

ARCHDIOCESE of ANCHORAGE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION
POINT OF CONTACT:
John Harmon: 907-297-7702, 907-297-7700 or jharmon@caa-ak.org

Decree Appointing Independent Commission 10-24-2018 (PDF)

Press Release for Independent Commission 10-24-2018 (PDF)