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I express my gratitude to Pope Francis for releasing the report regarding former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
The report is a meaningful step for the Church in continuing to acknowledge those who were hurt by McCarrick and other ministers in the Church. It also reflects the Holy Father’s commitment to end abuse in the Church and in our communities.
I ask that all of the faithful join me in praying for victims and survivors of abuse. I also call upon the clergy and those who minister in the Church to continue to improve our efforts in preventing abuse, especially through our diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) program. We must be well educated in recognizing signs of abuse and remain vigilant in our efforts to effectively end it.
I thank those who have come forward to share their painful experiences. Because of their witness, we remain committed to work to end abuse in the Church and the wider community.
To anyone who has suffered abuse by a member of the clergy or a lay minister in the Church, I urge you to report this abuse to law enforcement and to Church authorities. You can find detailed information on how and where to report abuse at https://www.austindiocese.org/report-abuse.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, may God grant us the strength to live in truth and goodness.
+Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin