Pittsburgh Bishop Zubik, Victims Group Respond to "Spotlight" Sex Abuse Movie

By Tom Davidson
The Times
November 20, 2015

http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/pittsburgh-bishop-zubik-victims-group-respond-to-spotlight-sex-abuse/article_9f0bc43e-8fc2-11e5-a303-ab3d99a3f094.html

As the new movie "Spotlight" opens in theaters nationwide, it's evident the wounds wrought by the Catholic sexual abuse scandal that rocked the American church more than a decade ago remain unhealed.

Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik, an Ambridge native, offered an apology that was published on the front page of the Pittsburgh Catholic, the weekly diocesan newspaper that will be distributed in parishes during Masses this weekend.

The film tells the story of the Boston Globe reporters who broke the story in 2002, and it reveals "a painful, shameful part of Catholic history in our country," Zubik wrote in the statement.

"I offer my apology to and lift up in my daily prayers all those who have been harmed by someone who was entrusted to represent Christ," Zubik wrote.

"The church has learned from the mistakes of the past while working diligently to ensure that what is portrayed in this movie never happens again. Since 1988, our Diocese of Pittsburgh has followed a policy of zero tolerance, of removing any cleric who sexually abused a minor."

Although the church has worked to address any accusations, Zubike wrote, "we know that victims-survivors continue to suffer great pain."

He invoked the words of Pope Francis, who, after meeting with victims in September in Philadelphia, said "God weeps" because priests and bishops "who were charged with the tender care of these little ones violated them and caused them great harm."

Zubik urged victims and the families of victims who remain troubled by abuse and/or the memories of the abuse that seeing or hearing about the movie stirs in them to contact the diocesan abuse hotline at 888-808-1235.

"Our diocesan assistance coordinator especially stands ready to support you," Zubik wrote.

The statement and apology contained within it don't go far enough, according to officials at the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. In a news release issued Friday, SNAP contends Zubik should "order every church staff members" to see the film.

"It's easy for bishops to claim they have changed, but taking this step and acting with real openness would prove real changes," SNAP director David Clohessy said. "Pittsburgh area parents and parishioners can only benefit by learning more about the church's ongoing abuse and cover-up crisis. Zubik should be promoting this movie if he truly cares about the safety of children."

Contact: tdavidson@timesonline.com