My Dear Friends in Christ,

Our Catholic Church is currently undergoing a difficult crisis. Your strong faith throughout this crisis is an inspiration. Your continued participation at Mass signals your steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church. Your faith engenders hope for our “universal” Church at all times, especially now in light of grievous injustices perpetrated by a small minority of priests and bishops.

Recently, at the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ meeting in Dallas, Texas, I heard the testimonies of people nationwide who have suffered abuse by clergy. Their stories of despair and disillusionment, like those I have heard in our own diocese, filled me with a deep sense of sorrow and renewed resolve—sorrow for those abused and resolve to protect the innocent through prompt action when these issues surface.

Diocese ahead of the Nation

I want to assure you of my commitment to protecting the innocent. Shortly after coming here as your bishop in 1982, we began work on a diocesan policy for the prevention of sexual abuse. We were one of the first dioceses in the nation to have one. Fully ratified and in place since 1985, this policy, revised in 1995, contains safeguards for our children. In every parish, all the clergy, religious, lay workers and volunteers alike are mandated to read, sign an acknowledgement that they have read and understand it, and abide by this policy. Furthermore, the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry addresses the safety and welfare of children and youth in the “Guidelines, Policies and Statutes Governing Youth Ministry and Religious Education,” and parishes are held bound by these rules as well.

I’ve been a fortunate shepherd for many reasons, including our wonderful priests.  The overwhelming majority are committed to their vows, committed to the Catholic Church and committed to faithfully serving the people of the Diocese of Owensboro. It is a blessing for all of us to have so many good priests.

I hope you will understand that since becoming your bishop, I did all that I thought was possible to protect the children in this diocese. Priests found to be harmful to youth were reassigned to non-parish ministries, where their ministry was supervised and monitored. However, the fact that incidents of abuse occurred so long ago does not lessen the harm done to the victims and their families. Unfortunately, we cannot undo the past, and it is with deep and profound sorrow that we grieve for all victims of clergy sexual abuse. I cannot imagine how a parent feels upon discovering their child was abused, especially by the clergy. I understand that such abuse grievously affects children in many ways, including their emerging faith and relationship with God. It is the responsibility of us all to assist parents in protecting our youth.

At the recent bishops’ meeting, all the bishops agreed to the immediate implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. You will find this document printed within the pages of this Western Kentucky Catholic. Our diocesan policy will be revised to be in complete accordance with this Charter. To protect the innocent from future offenses, please be assured that I will do all that is within my power to ensure that this policy of protection for children and young people is implemented in this diocese.

I join my fellow bishops in asking for forgiveness and reconciliation from those who are victims of sexual abuse by priests. It is of primary concern now that we continue to assist the victims of such abuse in healing.

I wish I knew how to restore any trust or confidence lost during this difficult time. Besides doing all that I can from a diocesan standpoint, I remind faithful Catholics to be ever vigilant as we work to protect all children and young people. Sadly, child abuse happens at the hands of all kinds of people in all sorts of jobs—including priests, coaches, teachers—and even in the home. This current crisis is a reminder to us all that we must work together to protect all children wherever they may be.

I want to thank all the people who have taken the time to express their concerns with me regarding the protection of children and the role of the Church. That—and your promise of prayers for me—means so much to me and I want you to know I appreciated hearing from you all.

Review Committee Formed

I have done the best that I knew how to deal with these issues directly, and in ways that protected children. In these complicated decisions, some have suggested that I did not do enough. But as I review my actions and behaviors, I made decisions that protected victims, family members and did all that was in my power to keep potential future victims out of harm’s way. There are no perfect decisions with these complicated cases, but I reacted and will continue to act to the best of my God-given ability. A newly appointed Sexual Abuse Allegation Review Committee is now in place to assist me with this task. As required by the Charter, the committee members are mostly lay people and are highly skilled in dealing with allegations of sexual abuse.

Day of Prayer & Reflection

In response to the sin and scandal of abuse of children by priests, I ask that you join me and my fellow bishops across the nation on August 14th & 15th for a day of prayer and repentance. Please watch your parish bulletins for more information on how you can assist our Church through your personal fasting and prayers. We must trust in the Holy Spirit to prevail and guide us out of the darkness—to the Light of Christ and His Church.