By Brian Scheid
Norwich (CT) Bulletin
March 16, 2002

Norwich, CT - The leader of the region's Roman Catholics said he feels "sadness, shame, anger, revulsion and discouragement" by publicity over instances of clergy sexual abuse.

"In the name of the Church, I apologize to anyone who has been sexually abused by someone representing the Church," the Most Rev. Daniel A. Hart wrote in the pastoral letter to be read and distributed in the diocese's 84 churches this weekend. "I can neither excuse nor explain it, but I am sorry and I ask forgiveness."

But Hart stopped short of saying he would undertake measures like those taken by leaders of other Catholic churches throughout the country to examine church files and make public the names of accused abusers.

Hart has called adequate the diocese's "zero tolerance" policy for all diocesan employees accused of abuse.

In the policy, which was established in 1991, any complaint of child sexual abuse received by the diocese's internal affairs office would be reported to the Office of the State's Attorney and the Department of Children and Families.

The clergy abuse scandal has exploded in the Archdiocese of Boston, where Hart served as auxiliary bishop before coming to Norwich in November 1995. There, more than 200 people claim to be victims of clergy abuse, according to The Boston Globe.

On Thursday in the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Most Rev. William Lori said he would review the files all 285 priests and 86 deacons in the diocese to ensure that no clergy pose a threat to children. Lori said he would create an advisory board of psychologists, physicians and legal experts to deal with sexual misconduct in the clergy.

Also Thursday, the bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Mass., said he would give prosecutors records of priests who are accused of sexually abusing children.

Bishops in five Pennsylvania dioceses, St. Louis, Maine and New Hampshire have disclosed the names or numbers of priests who faced accusations of abuse.

Diocese spokeswoman Jacqueline Keller said similar measures would not be taken in the Norwich Diocese, but said allegations of sexual misconduct have been addressed.

"There wouldn't be any changes in (the policy)," Keller said. "It meets the requirements of the justice system."

The pastoral letter - a teaching document from a bishop to his priests and parishioners - marks the second time in a month Hart has addressed the issue of clergy sexual abuse specifically. On Feb. 22, Hart issued his first pastoral letter on the unfolding scandal in the church and called sexual abuse "one of the most reprehensible crimes against children" and said the diocese's policies - including its hotline - were effective.

The latest pastoral letter has been issued a week before Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week on the liturgical calendar. Hart said the church's current crisis can be seen as part of the spirit of Holy Week, especially Christ's death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter. "It seems that evil has triumphed," he wrote. "But Good Friday will be replaced with Easter."

Hart, who is the fourth bishop of the sprawling Diocese of Norwich, in which there are 214,000 Roman Catholics, will retire as required by Canon Law, when he turns 75 later this year.

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Hart for distribution to all parishioners in the Diocese of Norwich.

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