TUCSON (AZ)
Arizona Daily Star
GUEST COLUMN OPINION BY GERALD F. KICANAS
The confirmation of the Diocese of Tucson's Chapter 11 reorganization plan marks the end of one of the saddest of times in the diocese's history.
Who would have believed any priest would abuse a child? Who would have believed leaders in the church could have failed to protect children?
Yet, the reality is that, in the past 50 years, children have experienced a terrible betrayal of trust. This betrayal is inexcusable and indefensible and calls again for a public apology and a firm resolve to do whatever humanly is possible to see to it that this does not happen again.
As bishop of Tucson, I again make this public apology. I express the firm resolve that this diocese will do whatever is humanly possible to reduce the risk that a child could be abused at a parish or school, at home and even in the larger community.
Under the oversight of the Federal Bankruptcy Court and the competent guidance of Judge James Marlar, those who were abused or who suffered injury from abuse by clergy or other persons working for the diocese, parishes or schools have had an opportunity to file a claim and have that claim considered.