The Bishop Writes

(From the June 13, 2002 edition of the Inland Register)

The intense coverage by the media of the sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church continues. Tragic stories of victims and abusers unfold, accompanied by our dismay and sadness. As you read this, the charter proposed by the Sexual Abuse Committee of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has been released, and the Catholic bishops of the United States are meeting in Dallas for what few will doubt to be their most important meeting ever. Expectations of this meeting, of course, can be unrealistic, but there must be real progress in addressing this grave crisis for the Catholic Church here in this country. This is a significant moment of opportunity to review several critical factors in the Church’s life. We dare not back away from addressing these factors in a forthright and collaborative manner.

During the past several weeks, the Spokane Diocese has seen a number of meetings addressing the issue. The bishops of Region 12 met at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center (IHRC) the afternoon and evening before the celebration of my silver anniversary of ordination as bishop. We discussed three main areas:

• Possible reassignment of those who have abused a minor.
• Reporting to civil authorities.
• Accountability.

Our reflections were immediately sent on to the Sexual Abuse Committee of the USCCB to assist in the preparation for the draft of the charter.

Mid-May saw a meeting of the priests, the presbyterate, at the regular presbyteral council meeting, also at IHRC. The three-hour meeting of the priests was intense. Nearly all of the priests attended. The feelings expressed, of hurt, anger, frustration, and shame, mirrored my own experience. One of the more pointed comments was made by a retired priest. He indicated that whatever action is taken by the Church must be backed up by a forceful witness of pastoral concern and love for the people we serve, especially the hurting and the vulnerable. Without that focus, any other efforts will ring hollow.

I think there was a general consensus that we will need to continue to address our priestly ministry in the most effective way possible, offering one another mutual support and providing opportunities for continued personal integration.

In the last three breakfast meetings with business people at the Catholic Pastoral Center, I addressed the issue of sexual abuse. These meetings have seen their largest attendance ever. The last of them specifically addressed the issue of the charter. I asked for their input. The interest expressed by this group mirrors in general the interest and concern of the Church at large.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) met on May 31 and June 1 to review the charter, even though it was publicly embargoed until June 4. The DPC membership consists of approximately 25 persons from various regions of the diocese. The discussion was most helpful to me in preparation for the bishops’ meeting in Dallas. Several themes emerged from the meeting:

• Definitive action must be taken now to ensure the safety of our children as we move into the future.
• We remember the past but must move forward with new resolve and transparency.
• There must be increased participation of the laity in the life of Church, dealing not only with the problem of sexual abuse.
• Sexual abuse is only one form of the abuse of power and authority in Church leadership.
• There must be a proactive outreach to victims and their families.
• There must be continuing formation and education in the Church concerning boundary issues and respect for every person.
• Firm contrition and purpose of amendment.

The DPC approved in general the thrust of the document and hoped it would be implemented as soon as possible.

Many people have contacted me about the question of sexual abuse in the Church. On my desk is a stack of papers, about six inches high, from outside of the diocese alone. People in general are very engaged. Some are concerned about the well-being of the Church. All want this matter to be made right as we look to the future. Many are expressing their anger that such a thing could happen.

We all need to continue the dialogue and discuss as together we process this painful episode in our Church’s life. As some have indicated, never before have we as a faith community experienced such a time of pain and hurt as at this present moment.

Finally, I would suggest we address the culture within our Church. Clearly that is a complex matter. We must look at the culture in the episcopacy, the bishops; we need to look at the culture of the presbyterate, the priests. Are we living servant leadership?

To begin with, all within the Church need to reassess our need to put other human beings on pedestals. We do no service to religious leaders when we disassociate them from our common humanity. Rather, we should rejoice in the ability of our religious leaders to find holiness in their daily lives, in their work and in their failures. That is where Christians encounter the Lord.

And the life of the ordained has always been an place where reformers have found much to question. We must look at some elements within the culture in the episcopacy – for example, issues of lifestyle and simplicity of life; use of authority, power and position; the constant call to conversion and holiness of life; and the opportunity to be ministers of unity and reconciliation.

We need to look at some of similar issues in the culture of our presbyterate, the priests; for example, the fostering of special favors; the enhancement of the myths of unique working pressures; the need for costly and extravagant exchanges for celibate lifestyle; and so forth. Can we truly say we are living servant leadership?

The culture within our dioceses and parishes must be examined with regard to transparency and participation. In all the leadership and decision-making processes, my sense is that the laity is crying out for more participation in almost every part of Church life — and so they should. The Holy Spirit works through us all, and the structure and culture of our Church should facilitate the use of these gifts to build up the body of Christ and more effectively proclaim and live the Gospel. That is no easy task, but we can do it together.

May God bless you and give you peace. Please remember me and my ministry in your prayers.

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