Diocese of Columbus hosts clergy learning day on child protection

The Diocese of Columbus held a Safe Environment Learning Day for clergy on Sept. 22 at the Sunbury St. John Neumann Church Faith and Family Center. The diocesan Safe Environment Office organized the event to help priests and deacons lead in child protection and safety.

The program included presentations from experts on human trafficking, online safety, victim assistance, and ministry. Speakers included Molly Fara, associate director for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection; Sister Sally Duffy, SC, from the Alliance to End Human Trafficking; David Frattare, statewide commander for the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; and Crispin Ketelhut Montelione, a training director for VIRTUS Programs.

Meredith Gaul, the diocesan Safe Environment coordinator, said the day provides focused education on current and emerging issues to build on the ongoing formation clergy already receive.