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Apology for Abuse Received

News-Press Now
July 1, 2016

http://www.newspressnow.com/opinion/editorials/article_bd31c2ac-5d05-507e-8805-83917bda5c66.html

Victims of child sexual abuse are due every reasonable form of redress and compensation. An apology might seem the least of these things, but a sincere apology still has value.

Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. was installed last fall to lead the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. He was not the bishop when the diocese, like too many others, became embroiled in a series of claims about sexual abuse, paid financial settlements and saw his predecessor charged with a crime for failing to report suspected child sexual abuse.

Nevertheless, Johnston has offered the most compelling statement of official diocese sentiment since the scandal first unfolded. The words are welcomed even in the context of the harm that was caused:

“I am here to confess, apologize and repent for the sins of those who held a sacred trust in the church and who betrayed that trust,” Johnston told those gathered June 26 in Kansas City for a Service of Lament. Church members, victims and survivors of sexual abuse attended, as well as nearly all priests in the diocese.

Johnston continued, explaining he spoke “for the priests and bishops and anyone in the service of the church whose actions or inactions harmed the lives of children entrusted to their care.

“I offer you my deep sorrow and profound regret for what the Catholic people have endured. I ask for forgiveness.”

The Kansas City Star reported Johnston emphasized forgiving does not mean forgetting. “We won’t forget. We can’t forget. We will never forget,” he said.

So many people will hear these words and struggle to accept them, and in particular struggle to believe the church really has changed. It’s the legacy of a dark period.

Johnston also told his audience of plans the diocese has to observe an annual day of prayer for the protection of children, establish a team to recommend improvements in diocese policies and develop a training program to help victims and survivors tell their stories.

And still, Johnston should get credit for doing what he can right now to promote healing — something he says is only possible when someone reaches the point of forgiveness. If an apology helps to prompt this response, then an apology has value.

 

 

 

 

 




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