(Montreal) Nearly a year after the creation of his position, the ombudsman at the Archdiocese of Montreal notes that a “significant change of culture” is still necessary to put an end to certain behaviors and prevent the treatment of complaints is “just a smokescreen for which the victims will pay the price”.
Updated yesterday at 4:26 p.m.
In its third report released on Tuesday, Mr.and Marie Christine Kirouack is scolding some members of the Church for their attitude towards complaints.
It highlights in particular the delays in the progress of the investigations “caused by the resistance of some to change who voluntarily, by omission, negligence or refusal, do not transfer the requested documents”.
The lack of follow-up on the recommendations and the drafting of letters leaving something to be desired and giving the impression that the alleged facts are a misinterpretation of the complainants were also raised by the ombudsman.
But most of the problems related to the handling of complaints are the result of a lack of organization, said Ms.and Kirouack at The Canadian Press.
“I’m not ready to say that in all cases it’s bad will. In some cases, yes, but in others it is an organizational problem,” she argued.
Despite “the last few months have been difficult”, Mand Kirouack says his presence is well received in the archdiocese. Many are happy to have a clear complaints process to regain the public’s trust.
Called to react to the report, the office of the Archbishop of Montreal referred The Canadian Press to the declaration of Bishop Christian Lépine transmitted by means of a press release.
“The Archdiocese of Montreal continues its process of transformation. Already, in nine months, we have set up a one-of-a-kind training program for the personnel of the Archdiocese and the personnel mandated in the parish. We are also committed to constantly improving our internal procedures to better prevent and better monitor the handling of complaints,” he said.
Supervise “characteristic” priests
A change in culture must also take place in the face of behavior on a psychological level, mentioned Ms.and Kirouak.
“The abuse of words, the character, it is no longer acceptable. The kind of impunity that is linked to having a kind of status within the Church must be put aside, it’s over,” she says.
Since he took office, a number of complaints relate to “difficulties between staff and members of the clergy or disagreements between members of the Church Councils and a member of the clergy”, can we read in the report.
Mand Kirouack invites the archdiocese to reflect deeply on the future of these “angry” and “always impatient” priests who upset everyone.
If some of these behaviors do not represent abuse, they remain unacceptable and require “solutions that will tightly control these ‘characteristics’”, mentions the ombudsman.
Moving them to another parish is not a solution to eradicating the problem, according to her.
“In the non-clerical world, it’s easy, they’re kicked out,” said Ms.and Kirouack, but the situation becomes more complicated with a member of the clergy.
It calls for putting “meat around the bone” in order to have strict measures to avoid the resumption of the behavior complained of; a policy on sanctions is expected soon.
Listening to their story
Since May 2021, the ombudsman has received 95 complaints, of which around fifty relate to sexual, physical, psychological or financial abuse, which has occurred over the past 70 years, details the report.
Of the ten retained complaints relating to abuse, investigations are ongoing. Three investigation reports have also been filed and conclude that the alleged acts have been committed.
Some victims of abuse also find comfort only by contacting the ombudsman, said Mr.and Kirouak.
“There are people who just after talking to me, they decided not to file a complaint. […] They needed someone to hear their pain,” she said.
The ombudsman at the Archdiocese of Montreal was set up following an independent report made public in November 2020 on the handling of complaints received about ex-priest Brian Boucher.
This article was produced with the financial support of the Meta Fellowships and The Canadian Press for News.