The Vatican today (11/10) released a report on its institutional knowledge and decision making in the case of former Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, who was laicized in February 2019 following allegations of abuse.
Bishop Alfred Schlert made the following comment on the report:
“I am profoundly sorry that victims and survivors have been subjected to abuse at the hands of clergy. My prayers continue to be with anyone who has suffered due to abuse, as well as with their families and loved ones.
“I welcome the release of this report as another step forward in the Church’s long struggle to confront the crimes of sexual abuse by clergy. It is with great sadness that once again we see that some in Church leadership did not deal appropriately and effectively with the abuse crisis.
“This report underscores the need for us bishops to repent and grow in our commitment to serve the people of God. As Bishop of Allentown, it strengthens my resolve to help heal the pain of clergy abuse and to repair the public’s confidence in our Church.”
The full report can be read here:
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided the following resources that summarize what the Church has done to strengthen its program of protection for minors and vulnerable adults:
The website for the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People offers a host of resources, including videos, fact sheets, and posters.
This website from the Office of Public Affairs offers a selection of info graphics and videos produced in cooperation with the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection.
This is an info graphic bringing together how the protection program has developed and been made stronger from the Dallas Charter to today.
Anyone who knows of incidents of abuse should report them to the State ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 or to local law enforcement. The Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to provide assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was abused by a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Diocese, or of its parishes. Her direct line is 1-800-791-9209.
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