As a Christian, I am deeply sorry. I understand that being sorry is not enough. We have to be committed to seeing that no human being comes to harm. I pray for the healing of all victims. I also pray for those who suffer with the victims: their families, their friends, many of their brothers and sisters in the Lord, all who have been touched in any way by this unimaginable pain.
Please keep in mind the Church is the family of God, it is not the bishops, the priests, or even the Pope. The laity and the clergy are joined together in Christ, as St. Paul said, "We, though many members, are one body in Christ."
Sin, sadly, affects every group of people, and tragically leaves no one untouched by its effects. Members of the clergy and members of the laity have done unimaginable things. It is particularly tragic that a Christian leader would ever exploit any person. It is painful to me, as it is to many, many others, that priests or bishops would ever be party to abusing anyone. It is horrifying that young children and teens have been targeted for sexual abuse. But this is no more an action of the Church than was Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Christ after the Last Supper.
We, as baptized Christians, are living members of the Body of Christ, the Church. We need to be proactive in ways to break the cycle of abuse. We must be whole-heartedly committed to breaking this cycle that attacks the dignity of each human person. We need to help those who have been harmed find healing through the love of Jesus Christ.
As a priest in the Catholic Church, I vow to not only pray for healing, but to be deeply committed to working to create a society that actively prevents abuse. And if abuse does happen, that it will be, without any hesitation, addressed quickly and effectively. There can be absolutely no excuse or acceptance of abuse of anyone, in any circumstances.
I want you to know that there are priests and bishops who are concerned about the well being of all people, in a special way children, teens, and young adults. I am sorry that you have been hurt, I pray for your healing, and I will do what I can to help you.
May God bless you and heal you,
Fr. Gavin