Aug. 3, 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am writing to share with you the remarks of Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, regarding the allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and the steps that the bishops will be taking as a result.
Catholics everywhere, including myself, are angered and saddened at these tragic revelations. From the depths of my heart, I express great sorrow for the pain that any victims of Archbishop McCarrick have endured. Let us all pray for their healing and peace. At the same time, I am grateful to those who have courageously stepped forward to bring these evil events to light.
I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s ongoing commitment to the protection of all people, children and adults, involved in any of our various offices, parishes, schools, or other ministries. Since 1993, we have embraced and promulgated the Decree on Child Protection, which now also covers vulnerable adults, including:
- Complete background checks on all clerics, employees and volunteers;
- Ongoing required training on recognizing signs of abuse via Virtus;
- Procedures for reporting suspected abuse; and
- Immediately reporting all allegations of abuse to the appropriate civil authorities.
Please join me in maintaining vigilance regarding the safety and protection of all people. If you see something, say something. Please report any suspected abuse on the part of any agent of the Archdiocese to the appropriate civil authorities, as well as to the Coordinator of Ministry to Survivors of Abuse in the Archdiocese at 513-263-6623 or 1-800-686-2724, ext. 6623.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness of the Catholic Church in the United States, continue to intercede for us. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and protect us.
Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop of Cincinnati
