Statement
by The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, The characterization that the Holy See has rejected the Charter and the Essential Norms is inaccurate. Cardinal Re's letter to Bishop Gregory clearly states the Vatican's support for the steps that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops have taken to restore trust among Catholics, and "to respond firmly to the sexual misdeeds of the very small number of those who minister or labor in the service of the Lord." In addition, the Vatican views the majority of the Charter favorably, in particular efforts to provide support and healing to victims, and to implement education and awareness efforts in order to eliminate the problem of child sexual abuse in the Church. Rome's concerns about more precise language and procedures in the Norms and appropriate protection to those accused are very understandable. When the Charter and Norms were approved in June, the Conference called them a broad framework. The Conference stated then that further work would be needed, and that our action was a "work in progress" that we would refine based on our subsequent experience. For that reason, the establishment of a joint working group from Rome and the US Conference is a solid and important step in meeting Vatican concerns. I welcome this step, and look forward to seeing their results when the Bishops meet next month in Washington. While this important dialogue is underway, we in the Archdiocese of Newark will continue the steps we have taken already -- not just since June but over many years. -- to investigate claims of abuse, provide support, healing and closure to those who have been victims of abuse, cooperate with the appropriate civil authorities, increase education and awareness of the problem both in the Church and in society in general, and work to protect equally the rights of accused and accuser.
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