Saginaw Diocese says church won’t tolerate abuse of minors after ex-Washington archbishop defrocked

By Isis Simpson-Mersha
MLive.com
February 18, 2019

https://bit.ly/2EhGsCA

In this Nov. 14, 2011, file photo, then Cardinal Theodore McCarrick prays during the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' annual fall assembly in Baltimore. Photo by Patrick Semansky

The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw on Monday issued a strongly-worded statement supporting a move by the Vatican to defrock Theodore McCarrick, a former cardinal and archbishop of Washington, D.C., who is accused of sex crimes.

It’s the first time a U.S. cardinal or bishop has been removed from the priesthood in connection with sexual abuse, according to a Monday, Feb. 18, press release from the Saginaw Diocese.

"I join today with all who refuse to tolerate the sexual abuse of minors, or any individual, in support of the decision announced by Pope Francis to remove Theodore McCarrick from ministry, finding him guilty of sexually abusing minors and others,” said The Most Rev. Walter Hurley, apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Saginaw.

"This action is confirmation that the church will not tolerate the abuse of minors nor will it cover for those who have credible accusations against them.

“We are fully committed as a diocese and church to protect children and the vulnerable, and to unwaveringly ensure their safety. Our prayers continue for victims, their loved ones and families as they work to heal from these unconscionable acts,” Hurley said in a statement.

Hurley, who is serving as interim bishop of the 100,000-member mid-Michigan diocese, said the diocese continues to urge any victim of abuse by the Catholic Church to step forward and make a report to law enforcement.

The Saginaw Diocese in 2018 named 18 former clergy as credibly accused of sexual abuse. In addition, the Rev. Robert DeLand Jr. faces trial in March on several sexual misconduct charges.