MISSOURI
Religion News Service
By Sally Morrow
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (RNS) A single chime rang out after each abuse victim’s statement was read over the speakers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, a solemn echo to enduring pain.
It was a simple, symbolic gesture but one that had an almost inexpressible resonance for those who had been abused, and for many Catholics in a diocese so identified with clergy abuse that its last bishop was forced to resign.
“The pain was so intense, I did not want to live,” said one person in testimony from victims that was read out during the special liturgy of penitence on Sunday (June 26).
At the “Service of Lament” other readers voiced similar messages of pain, and also accusations at the church itself:
“When I was brave enough to tell you the truth, you chose to side with my abuser.”
And:
“I had faith in my God, but you betrayed my faith.”
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