Bp Callahan on Donkor-Baine verdict

"We are happy and grateful that this matter has been appropriately addressed and brought to closure through the criminal justice system.

The unanimous verdict of "not guilty" by a jury of 12 peers is consistent with the judgement of the Diocese that Father Edmund Donkor-Baine was innocent of the charges.

We thank those who have maintained an open mind and not prejudged based upon unsupported rhetoric, staged media events and stereotypes."

"We take all reports of sexual abuse seriously," says Bishop William Callahan. "Since my appointment to the Diocese of La Crosse, my top priority has been to review all policies and procedures related to matters of sexual abuse, a process that is ongoing. It is important to know, however, that all reports of clergy sexual abuse of minors are immediately reported to civil authorities.

Let us move forward together to protect and to heal."

 WKBT