Bishop Scharfenberger Holds Prayer Service for Victims of Sexual Abuse

By Jacquie Slater
WNYT TV
December 19, 2019

https://wnyt.com/news/bishop-scharfenberger-holds-prayer-service-for-victims-of-sexual-abuse/5584583/

ALBANY - A special prayer service was held Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, for victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church.

The event was organized by the Albany Diocese in hopes of helping victims and the community heal.

The service itself was closed to press in order to protect the privacy of victims who wish to remain anonymous.

Before it started, NewsChannel 13 spoke with Bishop Edward Scharfenberger and a victim who has been sharing his story in hopes of offering support to others who have had similar experiences.

The Albany Diocese is among many facing allegations of sex abuse by clergy. Bishop Scharfenberger said the Service of Prayers for Consolation and Hope is for survivors, their families and friends, and anyone who wants to pray.

The service comes just four months after the Child Victims Act window of opportunity opened up, allowing victims of child sex abuse to file civil suits against their abusers and institutions in which they were affiliated.

So far, hundreds of people have come forward - with more expected before the window closes next August.

According to the diocese, there are 47 credibly accused priests who worked in the diocese. Twenty-five of them have passed away.

Hear more about the service - and a survivor's reaction, by watching the video of Jacquie Slater's story.