Diocese of New Ulm working to heal damage of sexual abuse

The Journal
June 26, 2016

http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/582928/Diocese-of-New-Ulm-working-to-heal-damage-of-sexual-abuse.html?nav=5237

From The Most Reverend John M. LeVoir - Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, Minn.

On behalf of the Diocese of New Ulm, I want to thank the victims and survivors of sexual abuse by priests who shared their heartbreaking stories with The Journal over the past few weeks.

I hope through courageously sharing their experiences, they are helped in their healing journey. I hope in hearing their stories, awareness is raised about the scourge of sexual abuse.

I offer a sincere apology to victims and survivors of past abuse and a solemn pledge to continue to do everything I can to prevent abuse of children and young people in the future.

The Church, in partnership with parents, parish and Catholic school leadership, is working to foster a safe environment for children and young people within Church ministry and throughout our broader community.

All priests and others who work or volunteer with children in Catholic parishes or schools undergo a background check and adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. Over the past decade, thousands of local people, including all priests, have participated in abuse awareness education. Thousands of local children have received age-appropriate personal safety lessons.

Along with other Church leaders, I continue to encourage anyone who has suffered sexual abuse or exploitation by anyone involved in Church ministry to come forward and immediately report such misconduct to local law enforcement.

We want to help victims and survivors in their healing journey, and continue to offer counseling and other assistance.

The Diocese also continues to work with those representing victims and survivors to come to a just resolution of abuse claims made under the Minnesota Child Victims Act, while allowing the work of the Church to continue.

I would like to express my appreciation to Catholic parishioners and other community members for your prayers and support as we seek to bring healing, reconciliation, and hope to all those devastated by abuse.

I am deeply saddened by the emotional pain and betrayal the victims and survivors have endured. I am grateful for their courage to speak out about the terrible harm done by abuse in Church ministry. Victims and survivors must be heard as the Church moves forward with a promise to protect against abuse and a pledge to assist in the healing process of those hurt.