"Moral Catastrophe": U.S. Cardinal Apologizes for Sex Scandal and Asks for Prayer, But is It Too Little, Too Late?

Doug Mainwaring : Aug 17, 2018
Lifesitenews.com

"I have no illusions about the degree to which trust in the bishops has been damaged by these past sins and failures. It will take work to rebuild that trust ... Let me ask you to hold us to all of these resolutions. Let me also ask you to pray for us, that we will take this time to reflect, repent, and recommit ourselves to holiness of life and to conform our lives even more to Christ, the Good Shepherd." -Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo

(Washington, DC)—[Lifesitenews.com] As shock waves continue following the twin scandals of disgraced former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and the scathing Pennsylvania Grand Jury report detailing decades of sexual abuse and cover up by Catholic clergy, the president of the USCCB has just announced the American hierarchy's plan to deal with the scandal. (Photo: Galveston Houston's Cardinal Daniel DiNardo Lisa Bourne/LifeSiteNews)

In an 800 word statement, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), reports the result of a series of meetings with members of the USCCB's Executive Committee and other bishops.

"We are faced with a spiritual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion, but practical changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past," said the USCCB head.

DiNardo's statement identifies, "three goals and three principles, along with initial steps of a plan that will involve laity, experts, and the Vatican." He also promises that "A more developed plan will be presented to the full body of bishops at their general assembly meeting in Baltimore in November."

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Two weeks ago, I shared with you my sadness, anger, and shame over the recent revelations concerning Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. Those sentiments continue and are deepened in light of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report. We are faced with a spiritual crisis that requires not only spiritual conversion, but practical changes to avoid repeating the sins and failures of the past that are so evident in the recent report. Earlier this week, the USCCB Executive Committee met again and established an outline of these necessary changes.

The Executive Committee has established three goals: (1) an investigation into the questions surrounding Archbishop McCarrick; (2) an opening of new and confidential channels for reporting complaints against bishops; and (3) advocacy for more effective resolution of future complaints. These goals will be pursued according to three criteria: proper independence, sufficient authority, and substantial leadership by laity... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here.

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