IMAGE: CNS photo/Bob Roller
By Julie Asher
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The president of the
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Aug. 16 announced three key goals and a
comprehensive plan to address the “moral catastrophe” of the new abuse scandal hitting
the U.S. church.
The
plan “will involve the laity, lay experts, the clergy and the Vatican,” Cardinal
Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston said. This plan will be presented to the
full body of bishops at their general assembly meeting in Baltimore in
November.
Cardinal DiNardo laid out three goals just established by the bishops’ Executive
Committee in a series of meetings held early the week of Aug. 13. They are:
—
An investigation into the
questions surrounding Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, a former cardinal and
retired archbishop of Washington. With a credible allegation against him that he abused a
minor nearly 47 years ago and accusations of sexual misconduct with seminarians,
many are asking how he
could have risen up the ranks of the church, as an auxiliary bishop, bishop,
archbishop and finally cardinal.
—
An opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops.
— Advocacy for more effective resolution of future complaints.
“These
goals will be pursued according to three criteria: proper independence,
sufficient authority and
substantial leadership by laity,”
Cardinal DiNardo said.
“Two
weeks ago, I shared with you my sadness, anger, and shame over the recent
revelations concerning Archbishop Theodore McCarrick,” the cardinal said. “Those
sentiments continue and are deepened in view of the Pennsylvania grand jury
report.
“We
are faced with a spiritual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion,
but practical changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past that
are so evident in the recent report,” he added.
MORE TO COME
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