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"My Heart Aches" for Abuse Victims (column)

By Bishop Ronald W. Gainer
York Daily Record
August 22, 2016

http://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/columnists/2016/08/22/harrisburg-bishop-my-heart-aches-abuse-victims-column/89095080/

Your Aug. 14 article detailing the priests in the Diocese of Harrisburg accused of child abuse in the past casts an important light on the scourge of child sexual abuse in society. I want to acknowledge the role of media in bringing this issue forward and thank you for reporting on the Diocese’s efforts to combat and prevent sexual abuse.

Let me be clear: The sexual abuse of children is an appalling sin and a crime. Since the 1990s, the Diocese of Harrisburg has a well-established zero-tolerance policy for clergy. We report all allegations of sexual abuse immediately to law enforcement, even if the cleric is deceased and no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

I also want to assure you that no one in active ministry in our Diocese has a credible accusation of abuse against them. It has been our policy and practice for decades that all persons in a child-serving position must pass rigorous background clearances and checks, specifically the Pennsylvania State Police, Department of Human Services, and, in some cases, FBI fingerprint checks. This certainly applies to all priests and deacons as well as to priests coming into our Diocese from both Religious Orders and other Dioceses. The Religious Orders or Dioceses who send these priests to us must also provide clear assurances that there have been no credible allegations of abuse against the priests who they are sending to minister in our Diocese. This is a standard set by the USCCB since the 2002 Charter (article 14).

My heart aches for what the survivors of abuse have endured, and I apologize for the grave harm that has been inflicted on them. Words alone cannot express my sorrow, shame and disappointment.

I humbly encourage anyone who may have experienced abuse to please come forward. I urge them to contact the toll-free Pennsylvania ChildLine number at 800-932-0313, as well as local law enforcement and our own Diocesan Hotline at 1-800-932-0313.

The Church is prepared to listen to and support survivors with compassion no matter when the crime occurred or whether it was committed by a priest, employee or volunteer. We offer counseling, medical treatment, travel assistance, child care, vocational assistance and other support to men, women, children and families.

It is my hope that all people will join me in prayer for those who experienced the pain of abuse so that they may find their individual path to healing and that the Catholic Church’s painful experience in this matter will contribute to a better of understanding of sexual abuse everywhere.

The Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer is the Bishop of Harrisburg.

 

 

 

 

 




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