Our prime concerns are for the care of the complainant who is hurting, and the prevention of abuse and misconduct. Recognizing that coming forward with an allegation of abuse or misconduct is difficult, the person who first hears the complaint will treat the complainant with great care and compassion, and will encourage the complainant to talk with the Archbishop’s Delegate. 

If you are victim of a crime, we encourage you to contact your local police authorities. If a credible allegation of abuse against a minor is reported to the Archdiocese of Kingston, we will contact the appropriate civil authorities within one hour or as soon as circumstances will permit. 

Persons can make a confidential allegation of abuse or misconduct directly to the Archdiocese by calling 613-548-4461, extension 118. Alternately, you may email your concern to [email protected]. We will strive to respond efficiently to all messages. Clergy and staff of the archdiocese can also pass on a complaint to the Archbishop’s Delegate. Our full procedure for allegations of misconduct can be found here:

Protocol for creating a safe environment and responding
to Cases of Alleged Sexual Misconduct

Question - What happens to my report once I have submitted it and what can I expect?

Since the Archdiocese of Kingston holds sacred the sexual integrity of all persons within its sphere of influence and ministry, it is important that all suspicion of sexual misconduct be reported. All cases, however old, should be reported in order that healing may commence and future incidents may be prevented.

Once a report is submitted the Archbishop’s Delegate and / or Associate Delegate will acknowledge receipt of your report, review the allegations with you, indicating any necessary follow-up and the next steps. .

Question – Who contacts the civil authorities if a minor is being sexually abused?

Church authorities are legally required to notify the police and/or child protection service when they know or have been informed that a minor is in danger. This requirement of informing civil authorities applies across Canada to anyone who is aware of a minor whose safety is at risk. See Child, Youth and Family Services Act

If your report concerns someone who was abused as a minor but is now an adult, you are encouraged to contact the police to report the crime of sexual assault.

Question – Who is the Archbishop’s Delegate and other Church Authorities that will review my report?

In order to implement the Archdiocesan Protocol for Creating a Safe Faith Community and Responding to Cases of Alleged Sexual Misconduct, the Archbishop of Kingston shall appoint officials to carry out its provisions. These shall include: a Delegate, an Associate Delegate, and an Advisory Committee.

The Delegate and Associate Delegate are mandated to receive all complaints or allegations. They will:
(a) facilitate, monitor and document the investigation of the complaint of sexual misconduct;
(b) cooperate with civil authorities, if there is a criminal or civil investigation;
(c) initiate and guide a Church investigation, if there is no criminal civil investigation or at the conclusion of the criminal or civil investigation;
(d) keep the Archbishop and, as needed, other Archdiocesan officials, informed of the progress of the case and investigation;
(e) arrange and coordinate pastoral and professional care for the complainant, the family, and the parishes affected, as well as the accused; and 
(f) be responsible for documenting and maintaining the files and records of cases of sexual misconduct.

An Advisory Committee for Sexual Misconduct shall be in place to review the details of the complaint and to advise the Archbishop and Delegate on formulating a response to the allegations of misconduct. The Committee shall also recommend a plan of support for the victims of sexual misconduct, their families, and the parishes impacted by the complaint, as well as the accused, and review from time to time the various Protocols and Policies related to screening and sexual misconduct.

To the degree that a criminal or civil investigation permits, the Archbishop’s Delegate may act personally or through an individual appointed by the Archbishop to investigate the matter. The Delegate or the Investigator appointed will interview the complainant with a Notary (Scribe), who shall be appointed by the Delegate to record the interview with the complainant, and to provide a complete record of the interview to the Delegate. The complainant shall never be interviewed alone.

A victim of any crime is encouraged to contact their local police service. Dioceses in Ontario are also required to do so if a minor is at risk or the allegation involves a child aged 18 or under. On May 6, 2021, a national, bilingual service for reporting allegations of sexual abuse, either committed or covered-up by a Catholic Bishop, was launched. This initiative furthers the commitment of the Canadian Catholic Church to responsibility, accountability and transparency in matters of clergy sexual abuse and to facilitate healing and justice for victims-survivors.

A report can be made online at www.bishopreportingsystem.ca or by calling 1-866-892-3737.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Bishop Reporting System

Our full procedure for allegations of misconduct can be found here:
Policy & Procedure for Cases of Alleged Misconduct

Frequently Asked Questions

If you wish to see our complete Safe Environment Policy and how we have implemented it, please click the following link. 

Safe Environment Policy