Bishop Addresses the Issue of Pedophilia Scandals

By Bishop Paul S. Loverde
Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 3/28/02)

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord,

It is Holy Week! Disciples of Jesus, we walk with Him closely as we share His suffering, dying and rising both in the sacred liturgies of this week, especially those during the Triduum, and in the events surrounding us. Throughout Lent and during this week, the Body of Christ, His Church, is experiencing pain and suffering in her members, especially in the victims of sexual misconduct, and in "the sins of some [priests] who have betrayed the grace of ordination in succumbing even to the most grievous forms of [the mystery of evil] at work in the world" (Pope John Paul II, 2002 Holy Thursday Letter to Priests).

Sin makes the human person less human. It has serious consequences for each one of us. Sin is not strictly an individual problem, but it is a communal one as well. It not only distorts our image and likeness to God, but it also distorts our interactions with others.

This has become so clear in the newspaper reports concerning sexual misconduct among some clergy in the United States. While it is difficult to know all of the particulars of each case, it is easy to see that sin did not just affect the perpetrator of these crimes, but has affected the victims, their families, their particular churches and, indeed, the universal Church and the whole world.

Yes, some priests and bishops have abused minors who had been entrusted to them by the Good Shepherd. These individuals because of psychological illness or unchecked sinful behaviors grievously injured young men and women at a pivotal time in their human development.

Moreover, some bishops did not respond as we now know they need to do. Why? In many cases it was because the psychological community at the time believed pedophilia could be cured, and would advise bishops that the priest could return to active ministry. Of course, today it is widely known that pedophilia is an incurable psychological problem and that, therefore, a priest suffering this illness cannot ever minister again.

Pedophilia and sexual misconduct with minors are not restricted to Catholic clergy nor is celibacy the reason for such behavior. Many other institutions and professions experience similar situations. Dr. Philip Jenkins, distinguished professor at Penn State University and author of Pedophiles and Priests: Anatomy of a Contemporary Crisis, states: "My research of cases over the past 20 years indicates no evidence whatever that Catholic or other celibate clergy are any more likely to be involved in misconduct or abuse than clergy of any other denomination - - or indeed, than non-clergy….Literally, every denomination and faith tradition has its share of abuse cases, and some of the worst involve non-Catholics" (Pittsburgh Post Gazette, March 22, 2002). Obviously, any act of abuse is wrong, immoral and sinful. It is important, though, to clarify that celibacy is not the cause of such abuse, as some in our society claim.

The Church of today is much different than the Church of yesterday. Nowadays, most dioceses and archdioceses have very strict policies and procedures to deal with suspected sexual misconduct among their clergy, employees and volunteers, and in light of recent events, are reviewing and updating those policies and procedures.

Since 1991, the Diocese of Arlington has had an effective sexual misconduct policy in place. In this way, we have actively sought to protect children involved in church activities from any harm. These policies require all persons with ready access to children to undergo background checks and to attend detailed educational seminars. These mandatory seminars educate clergy, lay employees and volunteers on prompt recognition and open reporting of sexual misconduct and child abuse independently to both governmental and Church officials for appropriate and coordinated investigation and resolution, adjudication and sanctions. Every member of the clergy, lay employee and volunteer must attend these seminars and sign this policy as a condition of service. Moreover, all our candidates for the priesthood are and will be carefully screened psychologically. They also take part, now and in the future, in formation programs at seminaries which I trust.

We will continue to take these reasonable measures to prevent sexual misconduct before it takes place. Whenever allegations of sexual abuse arise, we will address these difficult issues with Christian care, concern and appropriate confidentiality for the child, the family and the alleged perpetrator, and will also offer appropriate medical, psychological and spiritual assistance to the victims.

In the Diocese of Arlington, we follow our policy consistently and diligently. To my knowledge, no priest dangerous to children serves in this diocese. We do not and will not assign known pedophiles to any form of ministry.

No one in the Church is without sin. Like the rest of the faithful, priests too confess their sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Although I cannot assure you that those who serve in the Church will not sin, I do promise that prompt action will be taken once we have sufficient evidence of aberrant behavior.

Finally, we must recognize the tremendous amount of good which is done by the hundreds of dedicated priests, deacons and other religious in the Diocese of Arlington, and I give thanks every day for the blessing which they bring to our community and this world. I ask that you continue to support these servants of the Gospel with your prayers and encouragement.

Faithfully in Christ

 Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde

Bishop of Arlington

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