Scandal and division are not new to the Church; we have faced it many times in our long history. Despite the tremendous challenge crisis brings, it also affords tremendous opportunities for healing and reconciliation.
The past twelve months have been difficult for our Church and our community. This time has been painful, first and foremost, for victims of child abuse, for their parents, and for all who have placed their trust in the Church. The crime of child abuse is a terrible offense to the laws of God and the laws of society. Those who commit these crimes must be stopped and brought to justice. I take seriously my responsibility to work with civic leaders and community agencies to prevent abuse from occurring in the future.
In my conversations with religious leaders throughout this community, I have heard messages of support and encouragement. All of us are mindful of how we must care for those who are most vulnerable.
The almost daily local and national media reports about the Roman Catholic Church suggest an image of the Church that is far from reality. We have much to atone for these days. However, if would not be right to forget all of the good that is going on as well. In this Archdiocese, the Catholic Church has been a vital part of this community since Louisville was founded. Every day, personnel of the Archdiocese work in service, not only to the Catholic community but to others as well. Our parishes, schools and social service agencies serve ten of thousands of people each day.
In the midst of this public crisis, we cannot forget our commitment to serve the needs of the poor and homeless, to develop affordable housing, to partner with Dare to Care, the Crusade for Children, and many other important programs. I am proud of the good work accomplished by so many good priests, social workers, schoolteachers and other dedicated staff.
This scandal compels us to ask whether it will be necessary to eliminate or reduce our services as we face mounting legal expenses and litigation. Let me respond to this by saying that scandal is never a reason to abandon our core mission. We will likely have to limit some of our work, at least temporarily, but we will not lose focus on our primary mission, which is to share the good news of the Gospel throughout this community. This witness should not be silenced because of the sins of a few.
I hope that we will be able to resolve the claims against the Church with justice and compassion. I pray we will not have to sacrifice vital programs to do so.
As part of my accountability to this local community, I want to share my priorities in addressing this crisis here is Kentucky. Much of what we are doing is reflected in national effort taking place as well.
- Outreach to Victims: I have learned a great deal from the victims with whom I have met, and I repeat my pledge to meet one-on-one with every victim of abuse who desires such a meeting. I will ask each victim to forgive me and forgive the Church for our failings. The Church wants desperately to be a part of healing the pain of abuse and will use our human and financial resources to do so. We are fortunate to have the assistance of many fine individuals and community agencies. I want to acknowledge the work of the University of Louisville Kent School, the Center for Women and Families and many others.
- Prevention: For many years, the Church and other youth-serving organizations have instituted educational programs and background checks for staff and volunteers as a way to help prevent abuse. With assistance from law enforcement and other experts, we are further refining and improving these preventative measures.
- Rebuilding Trust and Restoring Accountability: The United States Bishops prepared the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” In our local Church, we are implementing the Charter, have put in place new policies to address cases of sexual abuse, and have established a review board of professionals to guide us in our decisions. This is a good start. I know, however, that trust must be restored one relationship at a time.
I appreciated this opportunity to speak with these community leaders. I am confident in their support as we rebuild trust in our Church.
