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Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults
 Archdiocese of OKC Bulletin Announcement

 The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City through its programs, organizations and events, has numerous daily contacts with many minors and vulnerable adults.  It is, therefore, important that all Archdiocesan Personnel, clergy, seminarians, religious, employees and volunteers, protect the rights of children and vulnerable adults and be alert to the possibility for child abuse and abuse of vulnerable adults.  Under Oklahoma State law, all individuals MUST report an incident or suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor (person under 18 years of age) to the civil authorities immediately.  The Oklahoma Department of Human Services has established a statewide abuse hotline for reporting:  1-800-522-3511.  This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you have reason to believe a child is in immediate danger of harm call 911. For the safety of children and vulnerable adults and the healing of victims, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City provides an Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Pastoral Response Hotline for reporting the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults (in the past or presently) by a member of the clergy or other church personnel:   1-405-720-9878.    The Archdiocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator, a licensed professional counselor, will respond to calls to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Response Hotline.  A report to the Archdiocese does not relieve the individual of the duty to report child abuse to civil authorities as required by Oklahoma State Law.  In Oklahoma, failure to report child abuse is a misdemeanor punishable by law. 


A message from Archbishop Coakley
A former priest in the archdiocese, Ben Zoeller, a resident of Oklahoma City, was removed from the priesthood in 2002 and laicized in 2011 due to credible allegations of abuse of minors. He is not allowed to volunteer or work at any parish, school or archdiocesan entity. For questions, contact (405) 721-5651, Ext. 111. To report inappropriate behavior or abuse involving Zoeller, please contact the pastoral hotline at (405) 720-9878.
 
Mensaje del Arzobispo Coakley
Un exsacerdote de la arquidiócesis, Ben Zoeller, residente de Oklahoma City, fue destituido del sacerdocio en el 2002 y fue laicizado en 2011 debido a creíbles acusaciones de abuso de menores en su contra. No se le permite ser voluntario o trabajar en ninguna parroquia, escuela o entidad arquidiocesana. Para preguntas, comuníquese al (405) 721-5651, Ext. 111. Para reportar comportamiento inapropiado o abuso involucrando a Zoeller, por favor contáctese con la línea directa de asistencia pastoral al (405) 720-9878.