VIRGINIA
WTOP
By Neal Augenstein | @AugensteinWTOP
October 4, 2016
ARLINGTON, Va. — Bishop Michael Burbidge, newly-appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, vows to personally reach out to victims of clergy sexual abuse, and “to accompany them in this process of healing.”
In a news conference with outgoing Bishop Paul Loverde, 76, who has led the Diocese since 1999, Burbidge, most recently the bishop in Raleigh, says he has been aware of Loverde’s outreach to victims.
In 2004, Loverde celebrated the first of a series of healing masses, deeply apologizing for the pain inflicted on victims, and “for not seeing more deeply and fully the horrendous evil” of the abuse.
In response to a question, Burbidge, 59, said he intends to speak with victims, “to listen to them, to pray with them, and to accompany them in this process of healing, which we know is ongoing.”
“I assure you, and I assure the victims and their families, that I will continue this great work,” said Burbidge.
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