Letters to the editor
Open Letter Regarding Diocesan Sexual Abuse Disclosures
Jane Kryzanowski, Canadian Bishop, Roman Catholic Womenpriests, Regina
Volume 33 Issue 10, 11 & 12 | Posted: December 20, 2019
You likely heard in the national news this past weekend that the Archdiocese of Vancouver released a report on clergy sex abuse including naming those who have criminal convictions or lawsuits settled against them. This is the first of the 60 diocese in Canada to do so.
Members of RCWP Canada leadership team have been discussing an appropriate response to this. As an initial action, we invite members of our faith communities to write to the local bishop and request that the names of all credibly accused sexual offenders be released (not just pedophiles), especially if they are still alive and even if they have served prison sentences.
You likely heard in the national news this past weekend that the Archdiocese of Vancouver released a report on clergy sex abuse including naming those who have criminal convictions or lawsuits settled against them. This is the first of the 60 diocese in Canada to do so.
Members of RCWP Canada leadership team have been discussing an appropriate response to this. As an initial action, we invite members of our faith communities to write to the local bishop and request that the names of all credibly accused sexual offenders be released (not just pedophiles), especially if they are still alive and even if they have served prison sentences.
It is their responsibility to all victims and to church members to make the public aware of who these people are. It is not the responsibility of victims to do that. This disclosure is necessary so that those who were abused are empowered to share their stories and begin their healing journey.
Victims who think they are the only one or feel guilty that they are somehow responsible for the abuse can be relieved of the heavy burden they carry. Also, the community of the faithful needs to see the scope and seriousness of this issue and to hear the church hierarchy say, “We are responsible for the ongoing cover-up, shame on us.”
The scope and severity of the problem of clergy sex abuse and its cover up will not be known without such transparent disclosure by the institutional church. And without such acknowledgement and admission of guilt, how can the people of God heal from this grievous wound to the Body of Christ?
The Archdiocese of Regina is actively working to address the clergy sexual abuse issue on many fronts, and I commend them for their efforts. However, according to information available on the Archdiocesan website:
(https://archregina.sk.ca/news/2019/10/23/archdiocese-regina-announces-trauma-counselling-victims-and-new-procedures-reporting), the issues of full disclosure of credibly accused clergy remains under consideration. With the example of the Vancouver Archdiocese, this may be an appropriate time to encourage this Archdiocese do the same. A draft letter that you can use for this purpose is attached. Feel free to adapt it as you see fit.
There is a related documentary which aired recently on Ontario TVO (https://www.tvo.org/video.documentaries/prey-feature) you may want to watch.
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Bishop/Archbishop
For the protection of our children and the validation of victims who have come forward, we would respectfully urge you to make public the names of ALL priests who are sexual offenders. (Here you may want to add names of “credibly accused” or convicted that you know of…).
You know their names and it is your responsibility to all victims to make the public aware of who these people are. It is not the responsibility of victims to do that. This is necessary so that those who were abused are empowered to share their stories and begin their healing journey. Victims who think they are the only one or feel guilty that they are somehow responsible for the abuse can be relieved of the heavy burden they carry. Also, the community of the faithful needs to see the scope and seriousness of this issue and to hear the church hierarchy say, “We are responsible for the ongoing cover-up, shame on us.”
The sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults by clergy is a horrific scandal and its coverup continues to undermine the credibility of the Church. We ask you to lance this poisoned boil that festers in our communities, mindful that Jesus reserved his harshest words for those who cause this kind of scandal: “It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones (to be harmed).” Luke 17:2
Thank you for considering this request as we keep victims and offenders, along with all the leaders of our Church in our constant prayers.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Jane Kryzanowski, Canadian Bishop, Roman Catholic Womenpriests, Regina