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An overview of Bishop Burbidge’s continued response to the sexual abuse crisis

Billy Atwell | Special to the Catholic Herald

As many are aware, the Diocese of Arlington has been working actively
to address many of the compelling questions that have arisen following the
allegations related to Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and the revelations of sexual
abuse and negligence that emerged from the Pennsylvania grand jury report. Using
numerous platforms, Bishop Burbidge has addressed these issues on many
occasions over the past several months and restated his commitment to assist in
the healing of all victims of sexual abuse. 

While much has been done, more is needed. Many of the faithful
lack trust in the Church’s leadership and rightfully want transparency
regarding clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse against a
minor. 

In a measure of due diligence, Bishop Burbidge
commissioned a review of files related to priests and deacons who have served,
and are serving, in our Diocese. At the conclusion of this review, a list of
all priests and deacons (including those no longer in ministry) who have been
credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor will be published. 

Our prayer is that publishing the names of those credibly accused
of sexual abuse against minors will bring victims healing and consolation in
the Lord and inspire those who have not yet come forward to tell their story.
It is our hope that this decision will help assure the faithful of the
Diocese’s commitment to accountability. 

Similar file reviews have been conducted in the past. In 2003, in connection with
the John Jay Study, the Diocese conducted a thorough review of the files of all
priests, going back to the establishment of the Diocese, and reported the
number of credible accusations to that study.  

In 2011, the Diocese employed an independent investigator
to conduct a similar review of the files of all priests active in the Diocese
to ensure that no past allegations had been overlooked, that current diocesan
leadership was aware of all relevant matters, and that appropriate reports had
been made to law enforcement in every instance.

This decision is by no means the first action the Diocese or
Bishop Burbidge has taken following allegations of sexual abuse and negligence
from the grand jury report in Pennsylvania and the credible and substantiated
allegations regarding Archbishop McCarrick. Here is a summary of some of those
actions (all public statements are available at ArlingtonDiocese.org/ChildProtection):

On Aug. 26, Bishop Burbidge celebrated and preached a public Mass at the
Cathedral of St. Thomas More for victims of sexual abuse and their continued
healing.

Bishop Burbidge continues to meet with victims of sexual abuse
through individual appointments and through an ongoing support group program
facilitated by the Diocese. 

Prior to beginning a new year of formation, Bishop Burbidge met
with seminarians to express his deep commitment to their well-being as they
continue their vocational discernment. They had a frank, open and respectful
dialogue regarding the critical issues within our Church. 

On Sept. 19, Bishop Burbidge sent a letter to all parents of
seminarians, restating his commitment to the protection of their sons and
expressing his confidence in the seminaries to which the Diocese send them for
formation. 

A
letter from Bishop Burbidge to the Catholic faithful was
disseminated through the parishes the weekend of Aug. 25-26. 

Local television stations interviewed Bishop Burbidge and other
diocesan officials, offering their thoughts about the current crisis, the
Bishop’s message to victims, and what the Diocese believes needs to change in
order to regain the confidence of the Catholic faithful.

In episodes 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop
Burbidge has addressed the public scandals, offered his continued support to
victims, and explained the task ahead for the USCCB in ensuring greater
accountability for bishops in their personal behavior and their handling of
allegations of sexual abuse. (On Sept. 19, the USCCB’s Administrative Committee announced actions it
will take
.)

During a recent deanery meeting with priests, Bishop Burbidge
focused on the issues facing our Church and discussed ways even more can be
done to protect the faithful and help victims heal. He has six remaining
deanery meetings with priests, as well as our upcoming Priest Study Day, which
will allow time to join in prayer and to discuss these critical matters. 

Meetings are scheduled with Bishop Burbidge and our deacons and
consecrated women religious, during which he will seek their feedback and input
regarding what we have done so far and what should be done going forward. 

Bishop Burbidge will invite lay parish leaders to discuss the sex
abuse crisis and its impact on our parishes and schools, while seeking advice for
how we move forward as a diocese.

On Sept. 10, Bishop Burbidge met and consulted with the Diocesan Review Board. He is
ever grateful to the lay men and women, priests, and consecrated religious who
serve on this board for the expertise and wisdom they offer to him and our
Diocese. 

At Bishop Burbidge’s direction, the Office of Divine Worship
offered liturgical resources and suggestions to parishes, inviting the faithful
to fervent prayer for all victims and for our Church. 

Going forward, the Diocese will continue to communicate all the
steps taken to protect the vulnerable and to comfort those who have suffered
such unspeakable crimes. In the coming weeks, the Diocese will routinely
publish articles about the various aspects of our Child Protection and Victim
Assistance Programs. 

The Diocese asks all people of good will to offer their prayers
that the Church will be purified and made stronger by acknowledging the sad truth
of what has occurred, recommitting to greater accountability, and continuing to
work for the good of God’s people in every respect.  

Atwell is chief communications officer for
the Diocese of Arlington. 

 

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