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	Bishop Apologizes to Sex Abuse Victim WTOL [Toledo OH] March 13, 2005 TOLEDO -- Bishop Leonard Blair apologized Sunday to a woman who was sexually abused by a former priest. During the final moments of mass at St. Pius, Bishop Blair apologized to Teresa Bombrys for sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Father Chet Warren. "It comes very sincerely from me on behalf of the Diocese that people like Teresa who were abused, we need to apologize to them publicly," said Blair. Bishop Blair went even further backing up Bombrys' sexual abuse accusations saying, "upon investigation in compliance with the Toledo Diocesan Sexual Abuse Policy, Teresa's allegations were determined to be credible." This acknowledgment was crucial for Barbara Blaine who says Father Warren also abused her at St. Pius. "I felt like if there was an acknowledgment that someone in position of authority in the church believes us then maybe true healing could begin," said Blaine. Bombrys hopes the apology will lead others to come forward. "I hope it will allow other victims to feel free to ask for what they need to heal," said Bombrys. Bishop Blair ended the apology by asking anyone at St. Pius who witnessed, experienced or suspected abuse by Warren or anyone else to report it. The complete text of the apology follows: Bishop Blair Apology "Having served as your Bishop for over a year now, I have experienced many things, both good and bad, even tragic, that are part of life in the Diocese of Toledo. I understand that St. Pius parish recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. As with any parish, there are many events of a half-century to be remembered with gratitude to God. From baptisms to funerals and everything in between; so many of life's significant moments have taken place here for thousands of parishioners. However, not all the events that have marked the parish's history are joyful or consoling. I need to discuss with you what is a very painful part of life for some members of this parish. Many years ago, from the early sixties until 1974 a priest who worked here hurt some of the children by acts that are grievously sinful and criminal. Reports of sexual abuse against minors by the then Father Chet Warren, a former oblate priest, were made public over a decade ago. Many loyal parishioners since then have felt obliged to support Warren, saying that he did much good here. It is understandable that many did not want to believe the allegations. No one wants to believe that a trusted priest would harm children. However, I am here to tell you that the allegations have proven to be true. As I wrote to all parishioners in a letter recently sent to you, Teresa Bombrys, a former parishioner of St. Pius X parish, filed a lawsuit against the parish and the Diocese of Toledo, among others, alleging that Chet Warren sexually abused her during a period of years ending in 1974. Upon investigation in compliance with the Toledo Diocesan Sexual Abuse Policy, Teresa's allegations were determined to be credible. The Diocese and Teresa Bombrys entered into a mediation process that resulted in the settlement of her lawsuit against St. Pius parish and the Diocese of Toledo. On behalf of the Diocese and St. Pius parish, I wish to apologize to you, Teresa, and to your family--in person and publicly--as the Bishop of Toledo for the harm you suffered. My apology also goes to anyone who has been abused, whether in this parish or elsewhere in the Diocese. As I stated last summer, settlements are one thing, but they pale in comparison to the human toll of these sins and crimes. Having met with victims who were willing to meet with me, I realize how much we all need to appreciate what it is like for a victim not to have been believed, or for victims to be tormented with the thought that they somehow contributed to the abuse even when it is clear that they did not, or for them to have seen their abuser continue unimpeded in ministry. I want each of you to recognize that the victims who have mustered the courage to speak up and report their abuse should be thanked for doing so. They have done something truly courageous for the good of the church community. By exposing an evil that festered for decades they make it possible for healing to begin. This parish and our Catholic Church as a whole are safer and much more spiritually healthy because of victims who have come forward. They deserve our thanks, our support and our prayers. I regularly pray for all victims of sexual abuse and their families, especially those in our Diocese, and I ask all of you to do the same. From time to time it would be good to include an intention for victims of sexual abuse in the prayer of the faithful at Sunday Mass. The human cost of abuse has also touched parishes like St. Pius where an abuser was once assigned. I cannot undo what has been done, nor judge the past in light of what we know today. I can only work and pray for the healing of whatever anger and resentment people may feel over all that has happened in their parish. I am always open to hearing more about this and trying to address it. Our ongoing goal is simple but challenging: to do everything humanly possible to address past acts of sexual abuse and to protect children and young people from sexual abuse in the future. Our diocesan policy To Protect and to Heal is a very good one. However, it requires the full cooperation and vigilance of everyone in order to be effective. We cannot be too careful when it comes to potential sexual abuse, not just by clergy, but all potential abusers. If anyone at St. Pius witnessed, experienced or suspected abuse by Warren or anyone else, I urge you to report it to the civil authorities and to Mr. Frank Delallo at the Diocese of Toledo. This is an important part of helping victims and their families to find healing. As in the past, so now, I pray for God's blessing and protection over our Diocese of Toledo. And may Mary, our patroness under the title of Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, keep us safely under her protecting mantle, as I now offer a prayer of entrustment to her." Leonard P. Blair, Bishop of Toledo
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