Saginaw bishop offers ‘thoughts, prayers and sorrow’ for abuse victims

SAGINAW (MI)
MLive

August 22, 2018

By Cole Waterman

In the wake of a federal grand jury naming 301 Catholic priests alleged to have sexually abused children in Pennsylvania, Saginaw Diocese Bishop Joseph R. Cistone has issued a statement offering his thoughts and prayers for all victims of clergy sex abuse.

The statement comes as one of Cistone’s own subordinates awaits trial on charges of sexually assaulting juveniles.

“My thoughts, prayers and sorrow go out to all victims of clergy sex abuse, especially those whose tragic accounts of abuse are detailed in the grand jury report released in Pennsylvania,” Cistone wrote in the Aug. 21 letter published on the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw’s website.

“The numbers in the report are staggering, and the horrific details of alleged child abuse over 70 years is numbing. People of faith and good will are understandably experiencing deep emotions of anger, betrayal, and a sincere desire for justice.

“On behalf of the Diocese of Saginaw,” the letter continues, “I remain fully committed to the safety of children.”

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