The Diocese of Buffalo strongly encourages any and all allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy and Diocesan employees to be reported first to law enforcement. The Diocese has in place rigorous protocols for reporting as well, in addition to a third-party reporting system, known as EthicsPoint, which allows for allegations to be reported anonymously. The Review Board, comprised of lay professionals of various expertise, advises on actions to be taken against clergy, bishops and also lay employees, that may be deemed necessary from a canonical standpoint when allegations are determined to be credible.

 

The Diocese is unaware of any allegations against Reverend Father Richard Reina, a retired priest of the Diocese who continues to serve.

 

With regard to the Reverend Gerard Smyczynski, now deceased, his faculties were removed in 1985 and his name is included on the list of credibly accused clergy. The Diocese - now under the interim leadership of Bishop Edward Scharfenberger as Apostolic Administrator - is assessing the appropriate level of additional detail relating to those credibly accused that may be provided as part of the Diocese's ongoing reporting, which may contribute to the healing of survivors, who continue to be our first priority.