On March 26th, the territory of Colombia and Venezuela received accreditation for the policies on safe environments for Legionaries of Christ by the American agency Praesidium, an external and independent entity of great prestige in the implementation and evaluation of measures to prevent abuse of minors and vulnerable persons. This accreditation, granted for three years (from 2021 to 2024), certifies that our policies for the prevention of sexual abuse of minors, response to any accusations, and supervision are appropriate for creating and maintaining safe environments. It also guarantees the proper application of these policies.

The path to accreditation

The journey since 2014 has made it possible to accredit the policies of Safe Environments for the Legionaries of Christ in the United States and Spain. In the territory of Colombia-Venezuela, the formal accreditation process began in 2019. After a thorough review of all necessary documentation, three representatives from Praesidium traveled to the territory from September 30 to October 3 of that year to conduct in-person visits to the communities and interview 28 members of the Congregation. In April 2020, the accrediting agency shared a feedback report indicating some areas for improvement. Due to the pandemic, the process slowed down more than usual, but after fulfilling all the requirements of the accreditation process, the territory received the certification for three years starting March 26, 2021.

What’s next forward

Currently, work is also underway to accredit the policies on safe environments for the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi in Colombia and Venezuela. As a territory, the priority is to continue taking steps toward a culture of safe environments by working on the proper implementation of prevention and awareness policies, immediate action in cases of reports, and follow-up in processes of repair and healing; as well as the application of the chapter document Protect and Heal.