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Statement of Bishop Michael Sis on the Vatican "McCarrick Report"
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November 10, 2020SAN ANGELO, TEXAS — This morning the Vatican released its report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, detailing the Vatican’s knowledge, decision-making, and investigation related to McCarrick, who was dismissed from the clerical state on February 16, 2019. It will take some time to study the 461-page report, which is the result of two years of investigation. I welcome this report, and I believe it represents a significant step forward in accountability and transparency.
All those victim-survivors who bravely came forward and provided testimony regarding this situation are to be commended. They helped to shed light on appalling behavior and shameful abuse. The McCarrick case illustrates how vitally important it is that, whenever anyone is entrusted with authority, they must never abuse their power. On behalf of the entire church, I express deep sorrow to all who have suffered sexual abuse, and I pray for their healing.
Over the past twenty years, the Catholic Church in the United States has made significant progress in responding to sexual abuse by implementing policies to create a safe environment in ministry for minors and vulnerable adults. In the Diocese of San Angelo, this is carried out through several practices, including background checks and mandatory training for all church workers and volunteers dealing with children and adolescents, the use of a Victim Assistance Coordinator, and annual audits of parish and diocesan safe environment programs. Pope Francis has instituted further reforms on a worldwide basis in the past few years.
We must remain ever vigilant to prevent abuse in the future and to safeguard the dignity of all those whom we serve. We must all remain united in our sympathy and support for all victims of sexual abuse and pray for their healing and peace.
The entire 461-page document of the Vatican McCarrick report is available online at http://www.vatican.va/resources/resources_rapporto-card-mccarrick_20201110_en.pdf
In Texas, anyone who has cause to believe that someone currently a minor may have been or is being abused in any manner, physical or sexual, must report his or her suspicions to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) or the local police or sheriff. TDFPS maintains a 24-hour abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400, as well as a website at www.txabusehotline.org.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by anyone who serves in the church, and you need a place to talk with someone about your feelings of betrayal or hurt, we are here to help you. In the Diocese of San Angelo, you may report incidents to Lori Hines, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 325-374-7609, or by using the contact form at https://sanangelodiocese.org/reporting-abuse.
If the report involves abuse by a bishop, the report should be made to the newly instituted national hotline at 800-276-1562 or at www.ReportBishopAbuse.org.
The complete text of the Diocese of San Angelo policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry can be found under the Safe Environment tab on the diocesan website at www.sanangelodiocese.org.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo serves the faithful in 29 West Texas counties under the leadership of Bishop Michael J. Sis.
