Quick Links

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Child sexual abuse is a terrible crime that causes indescribable harm in the life of a child. We must do everything we can to prevent another child from being harmed. We cannot do this alone: all of us in the Church must work together to protect our children. For Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:13).

As a diocese, we are committed to work tirelessly to educate, train, and guide our communities in the ways of justice and respect for children and in the knowledge of their innate God-given dignity. It is my intent that there be ongoing consultation and dialogue among us as we go forward to ensure that Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal, The Protection of Children and Young People: Policy and Procedures is the very best response to addressing this grave matter. We must continue to make every effort to ensure that the crisis through which we have painfully lived may never occur again.

The information contained on this web page is part of our effort to prevent child sexual abuse through training and awareness building and to inform others about the importance of reporting to the civil authorities all incidents or suspicions of sexual abuse. We continue to conduct training and screening of our clerics, employees, and volunteers and continue to engage the laity and child protection experts to improve our policies and ensure accountability of our procedures.

I urge you to join me in prayer for healing the wounds of victims and survivors of sexual abuse and of the dismayed faithful of our Church. I pray that we will work together to ensure that our Church is a safe environment for all people, especially children and young people.

Sincerely,

/s/ +John B. McCormack

Most Reverend John B. McCormack, D.D.
Bishop of Manchester