Please note: I was interacting with the PSO as a complainant. Please see this blog post.
2025-1-7
On October 7, 2024, I asked the Archdiocese of Singapore’s PSO this question:
“If in the course of your work with the PSO you discover someone was assaulted or otherwise violated while they were unconscious, would you let that victim know?”
They have not responded to this question. This is important because victims often provide all the “evidence” they have to the PSO and more. They openly share everything. They need to know that even in the most extreme circumstances involving rape, the PSO will not disclose or admit anything to victims.
Numerous times, I have asked the PSO for their policies. They have not given them to me.
Archbishop Goh is the head of the PSO, per canon law.
Note: The PSO does not benefit low level priests accused of misconduct. If they are innocent, these men have no way to clear their names. If they are guilty, they have no way of apologizing, making amends, and reconciling as Christians are called to do. This is short sighted. Studies have shown that many victims of misconduct respond well to real honest apologies. See “Priest Victims”.
The PSO responded on 1-15-25. See this blog post: “The Cowardice of the Men In Charge“
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Update: In an email on January 23, the PSO wrote:
You have in your email asked us this question: “If in the course of your work with the PSO you discover someone was assaulted or otherwise violated while they were unconscious, would you let that victim know”.
First, we do not understand how this question is relevant to the present allegation….[edited for privacy] It is not the function of us…[edited] as the appointees of the Custos of St Anthony, or as members of the Singapore PSO inquiring into a complaint which falls within our jurisdiction, to answer academic questions.
She goes on to say that the policies of the PSO is given to priests as well as to parishes and organizations that request it. This was her response to the numerous times that I have asked for the policies. I am a complainant, a victim. Perhaps I should reclassify myself as an “organization”.
Update: On January 26th, the PSO wrote to me the following:
Notwithstanding our assurance to you that the Document touches on procedure, and that inquiry and findings are left entirely to the Inquiry Committee, you insisted on wanting to see the Document and even stated that should you have it you would want to publish it. It is our document, and we do not wish for you to publish it on our behalf. If we wish to publish it, we will do it ourselves.
The PSO wants to maintain its policies privately. They are requesting privacy. Victims should follow suit. Sharing painful details of abuse comes at a tremendous cost to victims. If you do share these details, make sure it is with someone who cares about you and is on your team.
People who have been victimized by a priest or person working with/for the archdiocese should obviously be skeptical of this office and ask themselves what they have to gain by contacting them.
On January 29, 2025, I have requested that the PSO stop contacting me. They have not. In the past 24 hours they sent another email. They have had nearly 4 months to answer a simple question about whether or not they would cover up rape. They have refused to give me their policies after numerous requests.
Please feel free to contact me.