Phoenix Catholic leaders condemn ‘shameful and evil actions’
Aug 21, 2018, 2:26 PM
(Facebook Photo/Diocese of Phoenix)
(Facebook Photo/Diocese of Phoenix)
PHOENIX — Leaders of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix are condemning the “shameful and evil actions” uncovered in an investigation into sexual abuse by priests in Pennsylvania.
They also called on anyone who has been a victim of child abuse by employees of the Catholic Church to come forward and report it to the Office of Child and Youth Protection. The office provides assistance to victims and training to Catholic schools and parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix.
“These shameful and evil actions have harmed many innocent people, especially the young, and they are utterly inexcusable,” Bishops Thomas Olmsted and Eduardo Nevares said in a letter to Valley Catholics.
“This has also caused great pain, confusion and dismay among us all — laity, religious and clergy — who remain committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” they added. “We are sorry that you have had to endure this anguish.”
Last week, a grand jury released a roughly 900-page report that revealed hundreds of Catholic priests in Pennsylvania abused more than 1,000 children since the 1940s. The report also accused church leaders of enabling and covering up the alleged crimes.
Pope Francis released a letter to Catholics around the world on Monday, saying the “heart-wrenching pain” of the victims “was long ignored, kept quiet or silenced.” He asked for forgiveness for the suffering of the victims and said it was essential for Catholics to be involved in efforts “to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening.”
The Pope also called on Catholics to unite in prayer and fasting for the victims. Olmsted and Nevares made similar calls in their letter.
“During this dark and painful time, there is also a strong need to look to the light and healing of Jesus,” they wrote. “Since our Lord told us that some evils can only be driven out by prayer and fasting, we invite you, as your shepherds, to join us in prayer, fasting and sacrifice for the purification of our Church.”
The Diocese of Phoenix is calling on all Catholics to join in fasting and prayer Wednesday and next Wednesday.
