Denver archbishop reflects on McCarrick abuse crisis

Denver, Colo., Aug 14, 2018 / 12:01 pm

Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver issued a letter to the archdiocese on Monday, offering practical advice on and spiritual insights into the sexual abuse scandal centered on Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

During his annual silent retreat last week, the archbishop said he reflected on the scandal in his prayers. He encouraged the clergy and laity to work toward healing and greater prevention methods.

"Some have felt that the Lord has abandoned the Church," he said in his Aug. 13 letter. "Personally, I am deeply sorry that both laity and clergy have had to experience this type of betrayal."

The archbishop challenged the archdiocese to participate in opportunities of healing.

"I am asking every priest in the archdiocese to offer a Mass each month in reparation for the sins committed by cardinals, bishops, priests and deacons, and for all sins committed by clergy and lay people against the commandments of our Lord, as well as to pray for healing for the victims of sin."

"Too many seminarians, priests and bishops knew of Archbishop McCarrick's behavior and did not restrain him," he said. "Due to this, I call on the U.S. bishops' conference to ask for and allow an independent investigation that includes members of the lay faithful and those clergy who had nothing to do with the matter."

In June, Pope Francis removed McCarrick from ministry after an allegation he sexually abused a minor almost 50 years ago was ruled credible. In late July he resigned from the College of Cardinals, and the pope ordered him to adopt a life of prayer and penance pending a canonical process. Other allegations of sexual abuse and coercion have since been raised, and have brought to the public eye past legal settlements involving alleged misconduct while head of two New Jersey dioceses.

Archbishop Aquila said the Church's abuse scandals originate from complacency, and a culture influenced by the sexual revolution.

"We must recognize that complacency about evil and sin is present both in the Church and the world and has led us to where we are today. This culture of complacency among clergy and laity must come to an end!"

"Sadly, too many, both clergy and lay, have listened more to the world than to Christ and the Church when it comes to human sexuality."

He said the sexual revolution pushed the culture from the proper understanding of the human dignity. The Church has taught on human sexuality for centuries, said the archbishop, noting Catholics have given testimony to "the healing, freedom and joy it brings" in its practice.

The Church, he said, must respond with a greater closeness to Christ and return to the path of grace that highlights the dangers of sin and the fulfilment of truth. He stressed the aspects of the faith which strengthen the Church's members.

"Charity and truth must always go together. A disciple should never lead someone into sin or condone sin," he said.

"The Father has given us his son Jesus, the Beatitudes, the Gospels, the truth, and his commandments out of love for us to keep us on the narrow way of love. He is merciful in all that he has given to us."