MILWAUKEE (WI)
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee
February 12, 2014
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,
Today, we will file our Plan of Reorganization, the next major step toward ending the bankruptcy and returning our focus to the primary mission of the Church; proclaiming the Gospel, worshipping more fully, and serving our sisters and brothers in need.
It’s been over three years since our Chapter 11 petition was filed, but we are turning a corner. A Plan of Reorganization is what allows the archdiocese to emerge from bankruptcy once it is confirmed by the court. This Plan demonstrates both our commitment to abuse survivors and our commitment to serving the people of God in southeastern Wisconsin. It’s time for us to get back to what the Church is supposed to be doing. It’s time for the archdiocese to return its focus to its ministry. Outreach to and the support of abuse survivors will always be part of that ministry.
Nothing I can say or do can change the past. The abuse suffered by survivors sickens me. When I arrived in Milwaukee four years ago, I found a faithful community of Catholics who were angry and ashamed that trusted priests abused innocent children, and embarrassed about how some Church leaders responded.
But I also found a Catholic community committed to making sure nothing like this could ever happen again. For years now, and continuing with my unyielding commitment, rigid protections have been put in place, which we strictly follow. Education, training and safe environment initiatives have been implemented. Stringent policies and procedures have been rigorously observed and audited annually for compliance. Documents and information about abusive priests have been publicly shared. I promise to remain vigilant to all of these commitments.
Abuse survivors have consistently told me this is not about the money and I believe them. No amount of money could ever be enough to restore what was taken from them. People were robbed of a part of their lives and I understand that nothing we do today can change that; nonetheless, I want to do the best I can to help abuse survivors.
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