Archbishop Kelly
A letter from Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P.

Following is a letter from
Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Next Tuesday we will enter into a mediation process with the attorneys of most of the plaintiffs who are suing the Archdiocese. We decided to enter into this process because we believe it offers the best hope for victims and for our Church as a whole.

As we begin this process, I invite the people of the Archdiocese to join with me in prayer. Unlike a trial where both sides enter the process as antagonists, successful mediation requires everyone to sit down and talk about what is best. It is a challenging process. If it is successful, however, victims and the Church can end the legal battles and begin the process of healing.

With the plaintiffs’ attorneys, we have retained excellent assistance from a retired federal court judge who is an expert in mediating large groups. I will attend the initial session and our Chancellor, Dr. Brian Reynolds, and our attorneys will represent the Archdiocese throughout these proceedings.

The Gospel focuses on healing, forgiveness, and justice. These themes must be in the forefront as we seek forgiveness for the terrible wrongs that have been committed against victims, as we address the claims of those who have been hurt, and as we begin to heal and to rebuild the trust that has been lost. Please keep everyone involved in your prayers.

Devotedly yours in Christ,
Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly, O.P.

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