Pastoral Letter from Bishop Hart for Distribution to All Parishioners in the Diocese of Norwich

Printed in Norwich (CT) Bulletin
March 16, 2002

March 13, 2002

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

I wonder if you have had feelings of sadness, shame, anger, revulsion and discouragement as a result of the publicity about allegations of sexual misconduct by bishops and priests.

I know I have. Few experiences are as damaging to a person as sexual abuse. It is evil and it is forbidden by God and by civil law. In the name of the church, I apologize to anyone who has been sexually abused by someone representing the church. I can neither excuse nor explain it, but I am sorry and I ask forgiveness.

As we approach Holy Week, it may be helpful to see our circumstances in the light of the Paschal Mystery, the suffering, death and glorious resurrection of Jesus.

First, however, let me assure you that our diocese has a strict Sexual Abuse Policy. In place since Bishop Reilly's time, it spells out clearly the evil of sexual misconduct and specifically the evil of sexual abuse of children.

Sexual Misconduct Hotlines (1-800-624-7407) are in place and detailed procedures require steps to be taken anytime an allegation is made against a diocesan employee or a cleric. Each allegation that is criminal in nature is reported at once to the state's attorney and nothing is done to hinder this state investigation.

Only after this investigation is completed is the internal affairs office of the diocese free to conduct its inquiry. Assistance is offered to the alleged victim, safeguards are established, and the perpetrator is offered the treatment deemed appropriate.

It must be said, and I say it sincerely, the great majority of priests is living lives of quiet holiness and are serving our people with great generosity.

At the same time, we know that human weakness, sickness and sin can sometimes overwhelm a person, even a person representing the church. If and when this happens, I want you to know that the diocese will continue to act decisively for the good of God's people and, if a child has been victimized, to offer help to that child and to assure that other children are not endangered.

To put the policy in a few words: We will continue to help the victims and their families. We will continue to protect the rights of all concerned. We will continue to promote healing where it is needed, guidance where it is called for, with a determination to do whatever is necessary to deal effectively with any instance of sexual misconduct which is brought to our attention.

With the approach of Holy Week we come face-to-face with the Paschal Mystery. It appears sin has been victorious. It seems that evil has triumphed. Jesus cries out from the Cross: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" In His human nature, He is desolate, alone, abandoned.

But Jesus is not alone. He is one with the Father, even on Calvary. Like him, our faith is not in any human person but it is in God. And our God is our Savior. Good Friday will be replaced with Easter. The victory of sin will be transformed into the victory of the Resurrection. The triumph of death will be changed into the triumph of new life. And that victory won by Jesus becomes our victory in baptism. We share his dying and his rising. With him, we are victorious over sin and evil and death.

During the days of Holy Week - and beyond - our faith must be in the risen Lord Jesus. Good Fridays will come and go but Easter is forever.

May our faith be strengthened as we share in Holy Week 2002. May we have the courage to recognize our sinfulness as well as the power and mercy of our Savior. May the celebration of the Paschal Mystery this year deepen our hope.

Christ is risen, Alleluia.

Peace be with you.

Cordially yours in Christ,

Daniel A. Hart

Bishop of Norwich