The Archdiocese of Baltimore on the Baltimore City Circuit Court’s Memorandum Opinion and Order on Redactions – August 22, 2023
The Archdiocese has read the Baltimore City Circuit Court’s Memorandum Opinion and Order permitting the Attorney General to release additional names in its report on child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Our foremost thought remains our concern and prayers for survivors of child sexual abuse. Today’s opinion will no doubt be a reminder for survivors and others of the great harm done to children.
Since the start of the investigation by the Maryland Office of Attorney General into child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and throughout the entirety of the ensuing legal process, the Archdiocese offered its full cooperation and support. When the report was complete, the Archdiocese believed that some of those named in the report, not accused of abuse, had a right to be heard as a fundamental principle of fairness. Publishing a report without such an opportunity would be a violation of the due process guaranteed to all citizens. The Archdiocese will continue to respect the legal process and actions of the courts that ultimately make legal determinations in these matters.
The Archdiocese has not opposed the release of the Attorney General’s report, just as it has continued its long-standing policy of making public credible allegations of child sexual abuse involving its personnel. We are committed to continuing all of our efforts to keep safe the children in our care, and we recognize that the Attorney General’s report is a reminder of a sad and deeply painful history tied to the tremendous harm caused to innocent children and young people by some ministers of the Church. We ask all to join us in praying for all victim-survivors of abuse and for all who have been affected by the scourge of child sexual abuse.
Christian Kendzierski
Executive Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Baltimore
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Office: 410-547-5378
www.archbalt.org