The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Archbishop Vincent Nichols, has issued a statement expressing "deep shame" over the child abuse scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church.
By Peter Hutchison
Telegraph
April 22, 2010
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/7618626/Catholic-Church-child-abuse-scandal-Archbishop-Vincent-Nichols-expresses-deep-shame.html
[Archbishop's statement]
The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, referred to the "inadequate response by some church leaders" to the "terrible crimes" committed.
He said: "The criminal offences committed by some priests are a profound scandal. They bring deep shame to the whole church."
"We express our heartfelt apology and deep sorrow to those who have suffered abuse, those who have felt ignored, disbelieved or betrayed.
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| Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols |
"We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses.
The statement made at the Bishops' Conference in England and Wales said the church would do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"We recognise the failings of some Bishops and religious leaders in handling these matters. These, too, are aspects of this tragedy which we deeply regret and for which we apologise.
"The procedures now in place in our countries highlight what should have been done straightaway in the past. Full co-operation with statutory bodies is essential."
A wave of child abuse reports around the world has hit the Catholic Church in recent months.
Victims have come forward in Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Germany and the United States.
Archbishop Nichols's statement came just days after Pope Benedict XVI pledged that the Church would do everything in its power to implement "effective measures" to protect children.
On Thursday the Archbishop praised the Pope for his "wise and courageous leadership".
In Archbishop Nichols's statement, which is being sent to every parish in England and Wales, he called for four days of special prayer for "reparation and atonement".
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