Adults have a duty to love and protect
children. Yet not a day goes by when we don't hear a story about
children abused by someone they know and trust. Perpetrators cover a
very wide spectrum, from parents to coaches to teachers to clergy. But
especially bitter for the statewide Catholic community is a March 1
grand jury report detailing historical abuses that took place in Western
Pennsylvania's Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
This news brings back ugly feelings for so many within our archdiocese, which learned its own lessons about child sexual abuse the hard way. The most important lesson is that the persons who suffer most in these tragedies are the survivors and their families. I've met personally with many survivors over the years. Their stories and experiences are intensely painful. I am deeply sorry for all they've endured, for the past failures of the Church, and for the role it has played in their suffering.
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20160318_Commentary__Phila__archdiocese_committed_to_preventing_abuse__aiding_survivors.html
This news brings back ugly feelings for so many within our archdiocese, which learned its own lessons about child sexual abuse the hard way. The most important lesson is that the persons who suffer most in these tragedies are the survivors and their families. I've met personally with many survivors over the years. Their stories and experiences are intensely painful. I am deeply sorry for all they've endured, for the past failures of the Church, and for the role it has played in their suffering.
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20160318_Commentary__Phila__archdiocese_committed_to_preventing_abuse__aiding_survivors.html