We participated in this study. We reported that between 1950 and 2002, 30 priests (including both diocesan and religious order priests) had been accused by 215 accusers, with about $820,000 in costs. This dollar figure, which is an estimate, includes costs for settlements, legal fees, and counseling expenses. It is important to note that this dollar figure does not include the $25.7 million settlement or any other costs incurred in 2003.
We bishops decided to conduct this study because we want to know what happened and what contributed to this terrible series of events. We also wanted to create a baseline against which we could measure improvement. I support this study and understand its importance even though I know that its results may create more pain and confusion among Catholics.
Locally the study does not tell the whole story because we are still learning about the scope of this problem. In 2003 we were involved in an active litigation process, and we received additional accusations that brought our totals to about 40 priests and 278 accusers. These numbers are in a constant state of flux. We continue to investigate and to hear from people about the past. Even now, I do not believe we have heard it all.
Another drawback to the study is that the John Jay Study requested information on the number of priests who have been accused, whether or not those accusations were substantiated. Because 40% of the accused priests in this Archdiocese are deceased, and the majority of accusers have come to us through civil litigation, there are many gaps in information. We may never be able to substantiate some cases. I can assure you, however, that no priest with a credible or substantiated accusation of child abuse is in public ministry in this Archdiocese.
Overall these allegations represent 5.7% of the approximately 693 diocesan, religious order, and extern priests who served this Archdiocese since 1950. These figures are shocking. I feel tremendous sorrow for the pain of those who were abused, the betrayal of their families, and the loss of trust within our faith communities. Moreover, I deeply regret my lack of understanding of the scope of the problem in this Archdiocese. More than anyone else, the bishop has an obligation to know and understand. For this failure on my part, I again ask for forgiveness from the victims and from all whom I serve.
Our focus now is on listening to victims’ stories, offering opportunities for further healing, and prevention and education. In December I wrote to all of the plaintiffs who were involved in the large settlement and invited them to meet with me or with our Victim Assistance Coordinators. Several people have been in to see us. We also are working with a group of victims on a healing service, and we are developing education and formation programs for Catholics in general.
In collaboration with the Center for Women and Families, we have conducted safe environment programs for more than 4,000 staff members in parishes, school, and agencies about childhood sexual abuse, including causes, symptoms, how to respond, and how to report. We are scheduling another fifteen sessions this spring for volunteers who work with children in Church sponsored institutions, and we will schedule more training opportunities at the beginning of next school year.
Undoubtedly the John Jay study will be another sobering reality for our Church. Understanding the past is an important step in healing for the future. Please continue to pray for all survivors of childhood sexual abuse, especially those victims of abuse in the Church. As we seek to understand how this happened, we must continue to ensure that future generations of children are safe in our Church, in our families, and in our communities.
