(Baltimore, MD) – Archbishop William E. Lori, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Adam Parker and Mrs. Jerri Burkhardt, director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Child & Youth Protection, heard directly from victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in court today. The proceeding was the most recent step in the Archdiocese’s filing for Chapter 11 reorganization.
Following the hearing, Archbishop Lori offered the following statement:
“I admire the courage of those victim-survivors who shared their heart-wrenching experiences today and I offer my sincere gratitude to them and Judge Harner. Listening to their stories today, as I have done throughout my priesthood, is an important and necessary step in the Church’s efforts to support them in their lifelong journey toward healing. Today has also been an opportunity for me, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, to again apologize to them for the pain that was so unfairly and harmfully inflicted upon them by representatives of the Church, and for the damage it has caused them and their loved ones. Their traumatic stories resonate with those of us responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of those in our care, especially young people. It is our duty and our promise to rid the Church of abuse and to keep children in our care safe. What happened to them must never, ever be allowed to happen again.”
“As this Chapter 11 process continues, I am deeply aware of how difficult this time is for survivors. This ongoing situation reminds me that we must act with urgency and determination to reach an equitable and compassionate resolution.”
Today’s impact statements were the third such court-scheduled opportunity for the Archbishop to hear from victims about their abuse. Archbishop Lori’s participation in the proceedings is consistent with his longstanding practice of meeting with victim-survivors and of the Church’s pastoral response to those who have courageously reported their abuse. The Church’s response also includes comprehensive policies that seek to root out abuse from the life of the Church and support victim-survivors in ways that contribute to their healing.
For more information please visit: https://www.archbalt.org/promise-protect-promote-healing/.
Contact: Christian Kendzierski
Tel. 410-547-5378
christian.kendzierski@archbalt.org