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	Detroit Archdiocese on Abuse Claim by Bishop Thomas Gumbleton PRNewswire January 11, 2006 http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/01-11-2006/0004247394&EDATE= DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit, says he is always disheartened whenever he hears of a claim of clergy sexual abuse, and is especially saddened by the report that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, a Detroit auxiliary bishop, was apparently a victim himself many years ago. "The Detroit archdiocese was never made aware of this," Cardinal Maida says. As it relates to Bishop Gumbleton's remarks on how these cases are handled, Msgr. Ricardo Bass, Cardinal Maida's delegate for clergy matters, notes there is no time limit on a person bringing forward a complaint to the archdiocese. "Bishop Gumbleton's experience is indeed regrettable," says Msgr. Bass, "and, no doubt, it frames his personal opinion on this matter. As we would with any person in his situation, the archdiocese stands by its commitment to provide counseling assistance as needed." Regarding the statute of limitations, Msgr. Bass adds, "it has served our society well in protecting the rights of everyone, especially after a long passage of time. "As we do on our web site and weekly in our archdiocesan newspaper, the archdiocese invites those who want to come forward with a complaint of clergy sexual abuse to do so," continues Msgr. Bass. "The Victim Assistance Coordinator can be contacted at any time via a toll-free phone number -- (866) 343-8055. And, on http://www.AODonline.org , in the section titled 'Promise to Protect. Pledge to Heal,' there is additional contact information, as well as resources on child-safe environment programs now underway in the archdiocese."
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