“It is an unrealistic and impossible expectation that we will ever be able to completely eliminate all risk of clergy sexual misconduct and abuse from our Church, no matter how hard we try. But that is no reason for not trying and doing all that we can to do better. Ultimately, however, as weak, imperfect, sinful human people, we must rely on God´s grace and mercy to sustain us and help us in all of our efforts to heal, to reconcile and to protect each other from harm.” - Father Timothy Norris
“Sexual abuse of anyone is absolutely heinous, and it must be opposed with every fiber of our being. And when it is perpetrated by a member of the clergy, it is an egregious betrayal of a sacred trust. These crimes, these sins, are a failure to be stewards of our pastoral care of God’s people. And so, with genuine sorrow, I apologize to all those who have been victimized, whether on my watch or not.”
Greta Sawyer wants victims of ministry-related sexual misconduct in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to know something very important: She is ready to respond to their complaints and concerns and offer a variety of assistance.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis was found to be in compliance with all articles of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” for the 2011-2012 audit period, according to a letter from StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., which conducted the onsite audit.
What to respond? Yell at him? Cuss him out? Apologize? Deck him? Express understanding? I must admit all such reactions came to mind as I staggered with shame and anger from the damage of the wound he had inflicted with those stinging words.
Archbishop Dolan blogs about stranger’s anger over abuse