A statement was read out in all Catholic churches on the last Sunday of April about the scandal of child abuse by some priests and religions. The Bishops of England and Wales wish to address this issue directly and unambiguously. Catholics are members of a single universal body. These terrible crimes, and the inadequate response by some church leaders, grieve us all; but our distress is nothing in comparison with the sufferings of those who have been abused.
We express our heartfelt apology and deep sorrow to those who have suffered abuse, those who have felt ignored, disbelieved or betrayed. We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses.
Furthermore, we recognise the failings of some bishops and religious leaders in handling these matters. These, too, are aspects of this tragedy which we deeply regret and for which we apologise. The procedures now in place in our countries highlight what should have been done straight away in the past.
All Catholics were invited to make the four Fridays in May special days of prayer: deep prayer for the reparation and atonement before the Blessed Sacrament; prayer for all who have suffered abuse; for those who mis-handled these matters and increased the suffering of those affected, and even for those who committed these sins of abuse that they may repent and atone.
The Bishops’ statement finished with a fresh commitment to the service of children, young people and the vulnerable in our communities, believing that the Holy Spirit guides us to sorrow and repentance, to a firm determination into better ways, and to a renewal of love and generosity towards all in need.