The Diocese of San José is deeply troubled by the serious and credible allegations of sexual abuse that have come to light against Cesar Chavez. We stand first and foremost with those who have been harmed, including those who have shown courage in coming forward publicly.
Listening to Those Who Come Forward
Having walked through our own reckoning as a Church with the harm done to victims/survivors of sexual abuse, we know that our response must begin with the victims/survivors. We stand with them. This is not a political stance. It is a pastoral one, rooted in the Catholic conviction that the dignity of every human person demands we take seriously the harm done to them. As Catholics, we are called to uphold the dignity of every human person, to listen to those who have been hurt, and to seek justice rooted in truth.
The Farm Worker Movement
In this difficult moment, we must remain anchored in the truth that the allegations against one individual do not diminish the vital and ongoing work of farm workers and those who advocate for them. The men and women who labor in our fields — often unseen, often unprotected — deserve dignified working conditions, fair wages, and the full protection of their rights. That cause is just. It was just before Cesar Chavez, and it remains just today. The movement was built by many hands and many hearts, and it will continue. Our solidarity with farm workers is unwavering.
Our Actions
Bishop Cantu has asked that all statues, plaques, wall hangings, artwork, or other visual representations of Cesar Chavez be removed from parish properties, school buildings, and all diocesan facilities as is feasible. We do this not as an act against the farm worker movement but as a response to his own actions, which have made it untenable for us to continue honoring his image in our buildings. We do not remove these items to diminish the farm worker movement, but to be faithful to the survivors.
Additionally, the Diocese of San José will observe March 31 as Farm Workers Day — a day dedicated to honoring the dignity, sacrifice, and essential contributions of the men and women whose labor sustains our communities and provides food for our tables. We encourage our parishes, schools, and ministries to mark Farm Workers Day with prayer, education, and acts of support for farm workers and their families.
Upholding Our Principles
The Diocese of San José reaffirms these principles:
- WE ACKNOWLEDGE… the pain of those in our community, particularly our Latino brothers and sisters, for whom the farm worker movement is deeply personal.
- WE STAND… in solidarity with victim/survivors. The Church’s concern, first and foremost, is for those who were harmed.
- We SUPPORT… the broader movement and those who continue to advocate with courage and integrity for the dignity of all who labor.
- WE PRAY… for the survivors, for our community, and for the wisdom to hold both the grief of this moment and our enduring commitment to the dignity of every worker, every woman, and every child.
Reporting Abuse
The Diocese of San José strictly adheres to a zero-tolerance policy and promptly notifies law enforcement and child protective services when abuse is reported, in accordance with mandated reporter laws. If an adult victim/survivor is looking to report a case of Clergy Abuse or sexual abuse involving Church personnel, we encourage them to first contact their local civil authorities (law enforcement). Once a report is filed with the local civil authorities, individuals are encouraged to contact the Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults at (408) 983-0113. All reports are confidential to protect the rights of the victim.
Reports to the Diocese are accepted either by online submission or by phone. For online submission, please use the following URL to access our secure third-party reporting server designated for this purpose: https://opcva.ethicspoint.com/ or contact our toll-free 24-hour reporting hotline at 844-372-1691.
Media Inquiries
Please direct all media inquiries to Cynthia Shaw at the Diocesan Office of Communications at (408) 983-0228 or cynthia.shaw@dsj.org.