The Church in the United States is experiencing a crisis without
precedent in our times. The sexual abuse of children and young
people by some priests and bishops, and the ways in which we
bishops addressed these crimes and sins, have caused enormous pain,
anger, and confusion. Innocent victims and their families have suffered
terribly. In the past, secrecy has created an atmosphere that has
inhibited the healing process and, in some cases, enabled sexually
abusive behavior to be repeated. As bishops, we acknowledge our
mistakes and our role in that suffering, and we apologize and take
responsibility for too often failing victims and our people in the past.
We also take responsibility for dealing with this problem strongly,
consistently, and effectively in the future. From the depths of our
hearts, we bishops express great sorrow and profound regret for what
the Catholic people are enduring. . . .

The damage caused by sexual abuse of minors is devastating and
long-lasting. We reach out to those who suffer, but especially to the
victims of sexual abuse and their families. We apologize to them for
the grave harm that has been inflicted upon them, and we offer them
our help for the future. In the light of so much suffering, healing and
reconciliation are beyond human capacity alone. Only God’s grace,
mercy, and forgiveness can lead us forward, trusting Christ’s promise:
“for God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26).