The release of findings by the Grand Jury regarding sexual abuse by clergy in Pennsylvania and recent revelations about alleged abusive behavior by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick of Washington “are rightly a cause for anger, disillusion and pain among many in our Church,” Archbishop William E. Lori said.

“These feelings toward the Church must be met with more than prayers and promises,” he said. “They must also be met with action by any and all with responsibility for ensuring the safety of children and others in our care.”

The archbishop said it is “clear that any such efforts must include lay involvement, for no longer can we expect the faithful to entrust this to Church leaders alone.”

“Try as we have,” he said, “recent revelations have not only proven that there is more work to be done, but also have resulted in the loss of the precious trust of many of those we are called to serve.”

Click here for an official statement on the release of the Grand Jury report. Click here for Archbishop Lori’s response to allegations of abuse against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.