LCWR releases statement on sexual abuse by clergy

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious released a statement Aug. 23 regarding sexual abuse by clergy.

“The recent news detailing the extensive and sometimes brutal sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests in the United States has left us at the Leadership Conference of Women Religious sickened and ashamed of the church we love, trusted and have committed our lives to serve,” the statement read.

“We weep and grieve with all who over the decades have been victimized by sexual predators within the faith community and feel their pain as our own. We recognize that the damage done to many is irreparable.”

The statement calls on church leadership to “implement plans immediately to support more fully the healing of all victims of clergy abuse, hold abusers accountable, and work to uncover and address the root causes of the sexual abuse crisis.

“We believe that the work to implement the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and its subsequent revisions has been an important and effective step in addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. We have watched the Conference of Major Superiors of Men diligently work to assure the protection and safety of children and youth and applaud its efforts.

However, it is clear that more serious action needs to be taken to assure that the culture of secrecy and cover-up ends.”

The Sisters of St. Benedict in St. Joseph and Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls are LCWR members.

The full statement is available at https://lcwr.org/media/news/lcwr-statement-sexual-abuse-clergy.

Author: The Visitor

The Visitor is the official newpaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

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