Chicago (July 29) – The National Review Board to assist the U.

Chicago (July 29) – The National Review Board to assist the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced their progress and plans at a media conference today in Chicago. To date, two thirds of all diocese have responded to the NRB’s information requests (due 6/30/03), and 25% have been audited as to compliance with USCCB norms for safeguarding children from sexual abuse. NRB member Bob Bennett noted that “children are safer, but not safe enough.” Bennett cautioned that “unless the US Bishops are fully committed… and put the protection of children as their very highest priority, then much of our work will be wasted… In the last analysis, it depends on the Bishops of this country to be shepherds of their flocks to get intimately involved with this great crisis.” The NRB will issue final reports at the end of this year.