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Response to the Scandals in the
Church in America
Speak the truth to one another.
- Zechariah 8:16
Restoring
Trust: U.S. Bishops' Response to Clergy Sexual Abuse
Diocese of Lansing
FAITH books
FAITH Today
10 Myths
About Priestly Pedophilia From Crisis Magazine, April
17, 2002
Part of
the Solution (Reflections on Bishop's Press Conference) May,
5, 2002
Lesser
Known Catholic Heroes of Today By Fr. Dan McKean (April 28,
2002)
Pope's
Address to U.S. Cardinals and Bishops at Vatican (April 23,
2002)
Pope
John Paul II and Bishops address Sexual Abuse Scandal (Apr 21,
2002)
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING
Office of the Bishop
300 West Ottawa Street o Lansing, Michigan 48933-1577
March 15, 2002
 As
your bishop, I think it is necessary to address a matter of grave
concern to the Catholic Church in the United States. One cannot
pick up a newspaper nor turn on the television without learning
of yet more allegations of sexual abuse of children by priests.
I assure you, those who serve in the Diocese of Lansing abhor and
condemn this violation of innocent children. Sexual abuse of minors
by clerics, religious, employees, seminarians, students, or volunteers
of the Diocese of Lansing IS NOT tolerated. We have an extensive
sexual misconduct policy and procedures to deal with these criminal
and immoral acts. This policy is the work of professionals: a canon
lawyer, a civil lawyer, a psychiatrist, a counselor, a pastor and
a religious educator. Alleged sexual abuse of minors demands an
immediate response. It MUST be reported to civil and Church authorities.
There must also be a response to the victim, the victim's family
and the community. Your trust in us is crucial. I assure you that
NO ONE who has had a substantiated claim of sexual abuse of a minor
brought against him/her is actively working in the Diocese of Lansing.
Past experience of sexual abuse in our diocese helps us to be keenly
sensitive to the immense trauma and damage victims and their families
suffer and endure for years, often for a lifetime. Please share
my compassion and solicitude for the victims and families. Pray
for them! Support them! Love them! With profound sorrow, I say
to the victims and their families: I am sorry this has happened
to you. It should never have happened, and I apologize. I seek your
forgiveness for the betrayal, the loss and suffering you endure.
You and I know that we have good priests who love our Lord and
generously give faithful service to the people of the Diocese of
Lansing. Their steadfast witness in accepting the increasing demands
of priestly ministry is often heroic. This is a difficult time for
our priests and priests throughout our nation. However, it is also
an opportunity for priestly fidelity, optimism and leadership. I
am confident they will accept this current challenge. I ask you
to pray for and support our priests.
We must not allow the crimes of a few to overshadow or even
cancel the tremendous good done by the vast majority of our priests
everyday. I pray that your faith is steadfast and your trust
in our priests is strengthened. As Catholics, you and I believe
and understand that we rely on Jesus, our Lord, who said: "Do
not be afraid. I am with you always."
In Jesus, Our Good Shepherd
+ Carl F. Mengeling Bishop of Lansing
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Essential
Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations
of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons
Sexual
abuse discussion reaches into local priesthood
Press
Conference
Chrism
Mass 
