ST. LOUIS (MO)
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis
[with video]
June 13, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Gabe Jones
Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 314.792.7557
ST. LOUIS – His Excellency, Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, released the following letter regarding the recent deposition controversy:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I wish to respond to certain misconceptions stemming from a deposition that I gave in a case regarding alleged sexual abuse by a priest in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis nearly thirty years ago. I wish to set the record straight.
I understand this situation has caused concern and frustration for many people, and for that I apologize. Abuse of any kind is a serious moral offense and a crime. As always, I encourage anyone who has suffered abuse to bring it to the attention of law enforcement first and foremost and additionally to the Archdiocese’s Office of Child and Youth Protection so that justice and assistance can be rendered.
Sexual abuse of children is deplorable and is never to be tolerated. Actions speak louder than words and my record on this issue speaks for itself. I am committed to the safety of children and have shown compassion for victims. I have promoted and enacted codes of ethical conduct, extensive safe environment programs and ongoing training for clergy to heighten their awareness of this issue.
In the deposition last month, I misunderstood a series of questions that were presented to me. I wish to clarify that situation now. I fully understand, and have understood for my entire adult life, as I stated in other sections of this same deposition, sexual abuse is a grave evil and a criminal offense.
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