Bishop Weisenburger attends USCCB fall Assembly
On Sunday I head to Baltimore for the annual meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). There is much on the agenda, including a final vote on a critically important statement of the bishops on racism, a lingering evil in our world. But certainly on the mind of many Catholics is the Conference’s response to the current crisis related directly to the role of our bishops in our response to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy. It is significant that we will hear from actual victims of sexual abuse on the first day of our gathering, a day spent in prayerful reflection in order to prepare us for the critical issues ahead. Keeping the victims of sexual abuse foremost in our minds is absolutely essential.
It is worth noting that two months ago the USCCB’s administrative committee met to discuss the agenda for our upcoming meeting. At that time they issued the following statement:
“We, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, assembled last week in Washington at this time of shame and sorrow. Some bishops, by their actions or their failures to act, have caused great harm to both individuals and the Church as a whole. They have used their authority and power to manipulate and sexually abuse others. They have allowed the fear of scandal to replace genuine concern and care for those who have been victimized by abusers. For this, we again ask forgiveness from both the Lord and those who have been harmed. Turning to the Lord for strength, we must and will do better.”
The Administrative Committee took the following actions within its authority:
1. Approved the establishment of a third-party reporting system that will receive confidentially, by phone and online, complaints of sexual abuse of minors by a bishop and sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with adults by a bishop and will direct those complaints to the appropriate ecclesiastical authority and, as required by applicable law, to civil authorities.
2. Instructed the USCCB Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance to develop proposals for policies addressing restrictions on bishops who were removed or resigned because of allegations of sexual abuse of minors or sexual harassment of or misconduct with adults, including seminarians and priests.
3. Initiated the process of developing a Code of Conduct for bishops regarding the sexual abuse of a minor; sexual harassment of or sexual misconduct with an adult; or negligence in the exercise of his office related to such cases.
4. Supported a full investigation into the situation surrounding Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick, including his alleged assaults on minors, priests and seminarians, as well any responses made to those allegations. Such an investigation should rely upon lay experts in relevant fields, such as law enforcement and social services.
I believe that in building upon these critical four steps outlined by the USCCB’s administrative committee, the bishops of our nation can create a structure that results in greater accountability on the part of bishops and restored trust on the part of our people. I ask all Catholics to invoke the Holy Spirit over our bishops so that our deliberations and decisions will result in greater justice and healing.
+ Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger
