Catholics of the Archdiocese of Newark have been shocked and saddened by the revelation of the alleged sexual abuse of a minor by our former archbishop, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, in the 1970s, while he was a priest in his native Archdiocese of New York. It has also been reported that the Cardinal was accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with adults, “decades ago”, with two of three alleged incidents resulting in settlements by the Archdiocese of Newark, where he served from 1986 to 2001, and by the Diocese of Metuchen, where he was the founding bishop from 1981 to 1986. Cardinal McCarrick has been directed by Pope Francis to withdraw from all public ministry as a priest and bishop, and, though maintaining his innocence, the Cardinal has accepted that judgment. Below are a letter from Cardinal Joseph Tobin to the parishioners of the Newark Archdiocese regarding this painful situation, and statements from the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Metuchen and the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, where the Cardinal served after leaving Newark, and from which he retired in 2006. There is also a statement from Cardinal McCarrick himself. We join in expressing prayerful concern for the alleged victim in this case and for all the victims of clergy sexual abuse, and we ask God’s healing grace on the Church, so wounded by the scandal of such behavior, and the power of His mercy to move the hearts of abusers to genuine remorse and repentance.
Msgr. Tim Shugrue
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FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK
Click here to go to our Archdiocese of Newark website and read Cardinal Joseph Tobin’s statement.
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
Click here to go to the Archdiocese of New York website and read Cardinal Timothy Dolan’s Statement.
If interested in learning more, read the FAQ which provides answers for questions about this current allegation. The answers explain how the Archdiocese of New York learned of and responded to this allegation and what will happen now to Cardinal McCarrick. Also of interest may be the section on the New York Archdiocese Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program.
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON
Cardinal McCarrick is the retired Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington DC. Click here to go to the Washington Archdiocese website and read Cardinal McCarrick’s statement and the statement of Cardinal Wuerl, the current Archbishop of Washington.
FROM THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
Click here to go to the Metuchen Diocese website and read Bishop James Checchio’s Statement.
NOT JUST ANOTHER BLACK EYE
The answer to the last FAQ question on the above-linked New York Archdiocesan website may help us see progress in our Church’s efforts to heal and care for the abused while establishing policies and procedures to prevent future incidents.
Isn’t this all just another black eye for the Catholic Church?
“This news will certainly be shocking and painful, especially to Catholics, and will cause many to wonder if this tragedy of abuse will ever end. At the same time, however, it should be noted that, fortunately, the policies and procedures put into place by the Church are working. Although this case involves activity from nearly a half-century ago, the allegation was taken seriously, the matter was thoroughly and carefully investigated, and the decision is being publicly announced. No one, not even a cardinal, is above the law or our strict policies. The Church can never be complacent, and must always do all that it can to prevent abuse, and respond with compassion, sensitivity, and respect to victim-survivors who come forward. In this, it can be a model for others who are looking to respond to this sin and crime that affects all segments of society.”
Source: http://www.archny.org/tm-faq
