I want to offer a special prayer, one that I hope goes beyond today, for all victims of sexual abuse. Last week's Attorney General report detailing abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania is both saddening and horrifying. The numbers described are not simply statistics, they are children whose lives, dreams, prayers, aspirations and hopes were shattered. This loss cannot be given back.
Unfortunately, abuse of power is not contained in one faith or one institution. As your bishop, I am committed to ensuring the safeguard of the people that sit in our pews and work in our churches. The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania offers programs to recognize abuse and heal from it; as well as processes for disciplinary action.
If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing any form of abuse in your Episcopal church please contact Canon Betsy Ivey, 215-627-6434. All calls will be kept confidential.
Please keep those that have come forward, and those that have not, in your prayers. The faithful, and those that have lost faith.
God bless you all,
