By Bishop Paul R. Sanchez
Pope Francis requested that all the U.S. Bishops participate in a retreat during the first week of January 2019. I write these words as I am about to leave for the retreat. During this special time, I promise my prayers for all of you and ask your prayers especially for those who suffer. All survivors of sexual abuse need our prayers as we work as a Church and a society to root out this terrible evil.
To continue to understand the scope of the evil, I encourage you to read the editorial by Cardinal Dolan that appeared in the Daily News (December 31, 2018). The Cardinal reminds us that any legislative remedies to this evil should “promote justice for every victim-survivor in New York State and every organization seeking to make amends.”
As our elected officials discuss legislation in the coming months, we pray that they deliberate well and strive to benefit all victim-survivors, no matter who their abuser was—a government worker, a public school teacher, a counselor, a health care professional, a coach, a foster parent, and yes, a member of the clergy. . . .”
May God continue to watch over you!
Related
Speed aid to abuse survivors: The Child Victims Act should build on the success of Catholic Church compensation funds by Timothy Cardinal Dolan
PDF copy of the editorial, from the Daily News print edition, December 31, 2018
Crisis in the Church: Questions and answers from Bishop DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens