Virginia opens investigation into child sexual abuse by clergy

By Kiona Dyches
Local DMV.com
October 26, 2018

https://www.localdvm.com/news/virginia/virginia-opens-investigation-into-child-sexual-abuse-by-clergy/1553418468

Virginia's Attorney General has announced that the state is joining Maryland and Washington D.C. by opening an investigation into child sexual abuse by clergy within the two Catholic Dioceses in Virginia.

Within the last month, both Maryland and D.C. have opened investigations into clergy abuse. As part of the investigation, Attorney General Mark Herring also launched the Virginia Clergy Hotline, a confidential resource for people to report abuse by clergy.

Bishop Michael Burbidge from the Diocese of Arlington and Bishop Barry Knestout from the Diocese of Richmond released a joint statement that said, "any instance of child sexual abuse is intolerable and gravely immoral. We hope that this process will bring healing for all victims and confirm our commitment to accountability and justice."

The statement also assured the faithful and the public that both dioceses are cooperating with the Attorney General’s office.