CHICAGO (IL)
WBBM
CHICAGO (WBBM-TV) -- Francis Cardinal George prepared a letter this weekend apologizing to all parishioners for the scrutiny they have endured following a high-profile sexual abuse scandal.
In the letter, George discussed the conduct of the Rev. Daniel McCormack, who was criminally charged last month on allegations that he sexually abused young boys at his West Side parish. He wrote that McCormack's case "undermines" the work of U.S. bishops to weed out priests that are a threat to children.
George wrote that in June 2002, the U.S. bishops promised "that priests who were shown to have ever abused a minor, even once, would be permanently removed from public ministry if not from the priesthood," and programs would be set up to protect children from harm.
The letter added that the Archdiocese had been working to ensure that children were safe before this initiative, and "has had a deservedly good reputation in responding to this crisis."