Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, recently reminded us of the words
of the Apostle Paul: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1
Cor 12:26). With you, I share the suffering of victims of sexual abuse on the
part of clergy, and the suffering of all who have lost trust and confidence in
leaders of our Church.
Upon hearing credible and substantiated allegations of sexual
abuse on the part of Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and the horrific accounts of
the Pennsylvania grand jury report, including the failure of Church leaders to
protect children, teenagers and young adults from abuse, I, like you, felt
tremendous anger and shame that such crimes occurred within our Church.
I have had several opportunities to speak about these issues in
recent days through statements, homilies, a letter to priests, and podcasts.
(These are all available on the diocesan website.) In each instance, I knew
full well that words cannot sufficiently express my regret for the sins of
Church leaders and priests who betrayed Christ and his people. No matter how
insufficient words may be, however, I again convey my sincere apologies to
victims of abuse and reassure them, as well as the rest of the Catholic
faithful in this Diocese, of my desire to support you in every way possible.
Additionally, I assure you that no priest credibly accused of child sexual
abuse is, or ever will be, in active ministry in this Diocese.
I was ordained a bishop in 2002, the same year the Charter for
the Protection of Children and Young People was enacted to establish standards
for reporting and investigating accusations, as well as to help victims heal
from the trauma they experienced. As such, I have always implemented these
procedures throughout my ministry as a bishop. Once again, I wish to assure you
that in our Diocese, immediately upon receiving an accusation of abuse, we
report it to law enforcement. In addition, all evidence about each allegation
is assessed by our diocesan review board, composed of a majority of lay men and
women who have expertise in areas that will assist with the process.
Policies are essential, and they must continue to be implemented
and followed. This crisis, however, is not only about policies — it is about
evil, the moral failings of priests, and at times a lack of courage and
integrity on the part of bishops and other Church leaders. Priests and bishops
should not need policies to keep from committing immoral acts or to report
heinous crimes to the authorities. We should need only a well-formed
conscience, a commitment to Jesus Christ, and fidelity to the promises of our
vocation. With the Lord’s grace, we must strive to root out evil and work
tirelessly to protect all young people as a matter of respect for their
precious dignity as beloved children of God.
When witnessing such failures, many will naturally question their
confidence and trust in the Church. Please always remember that Christ is Head
of the Church and that he never fails us. While the Lord in his divinity works
through his bishops and priests, at times they in their humanity fail to
protect the flock, even in the most disturbing ways. Please join me in praying
for our priests, as in this troubling time they greatly appreciate the support
you have shown.
I pray that, together, we will renew our faith in Christ, who
promises to be with us through periods of darkness and uncertainty. We call
upon his Divine Mercy and saving help as we seek healing, purification and
transformation. May Our Lord guide and protect his Church and his people, now
and always.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
Mass for victims of sexual abuse
Bishop Burbidge will celebrate Mass for all victims of sexual abuse and their continued healing at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, Aug. 26 at 9:30 a.m.
Related podcasts