Archdiocese of Portland
	ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL

November 2002
 

To the People of Western Oregon:

The members of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council want to address the disclosures and allegations of sex abuse in the Church.  We are committed to helping to heal the wounds inflicted by such abuse.  We acknowledge the ongoing efforts within this archdiocese to establish safeguards, we trust the Holy Spirit to renew and strengthen the Church, and we encourage all to join us in committing our lives anew to Christ as we squarely face this problem.

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council is made up of parents, parishioners, clergy and religious.  From these perspectives, and as Catholics, we are shocked and ashamed by the stories of some priests sexually abusing children.  We are gravely concerned by reports of questionable and improper handling of abuse cases by some bishops.  We stand resolved to see that these sins are eradicated.

While the abusers are primarily to blame, we as members of the Catholic family are called to help respond to the problem.  We express our deepest sorrow to all who have been hurt by the scandal of sex abuse, especially all victims.  We pledge our prayers, our support, and our vigilance.

Monetary settlements will not bring true healing and peace, but in many instances reasonable monetary compensation to victims is just.  The fundamental mission of the Church to share Christ’s love with all people has been violated by some of the persons specially entrusted with its safekeeping.  With Christ, the members of the Church are called to help repair the damage caused by those sins.

We thank and affirm the vast majority of priests who are faithfully living out their call.  The Catholic family needs their service now more than ever.  We know they feel a singular burden in the wake of the scandals.  We invite our fellow Catholics to join us in renewing our prayers and support for our faithful priests.

We appreciate all that Archbishop Vlazny and the staff of our Archdiocese have done and are doing in response to the scandals, especially the establishment of preventive safeguards for our children. We support the newly updated Child Abuse Policy, the formation and work of the Ministry Review Board, the education efforts within Catholic schools and religious education programs, the appointment of an archdiocesan Child Protection Officer, and the designation of Ember Days as times of prayer and healing for all victims of abuse.

With trust in the healing work of the Holy Spirit, we ask you to join us in committing our lives anew to Christ and his mission.  In this troubling time, we encourage all to give witness to the light of truth and to derive solace and strength from Christ and his Gospel.

Grace and peace to all in Christ,

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
 

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