MILWAUKEE (WI)
Renew America
By Matt C. Abbott
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee has released over 6000 documents pertaining to its clergy sex offenders. I commend Archbishop Jerome Listecki for his candor; he wrote (in part):
…Attorneys for abuse survivors have determined that these documents demonstrate how the archdiocese handled allegations of sexual abuse, responded to reports and dealt with offending priests. It will be painful on many levels. It may contribute to re-living the abuse of victims at the hands of priests. It will disturb the faithful who have placed trust and confidence in archdiocesan leadership. It will embarrass and shame the good priests who have offered their lives in service to the church.
Shortly after I announced the decision to release the documents related to diocesan priests with substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, I offered an Atonement Mass at St. John Vianney Parish in Brookfield. A person approached me after Mass and expressed appreciation for the decision. The individual believed it would aid in the healing process of victim survivors. I pray that the release of the documents achieves that goal in some small way….
The documents can be viewed at the archdiocese’s website, www.archmil.org.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
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