Letter to Archbishop Peter Comensoli Proposal
In the newsletter of 20th March we advised you that the group was exploring ways to acknowledge the pain and hurt caused by sexual abuse in our Church by some members of the clergy, religious and others engaged in Church work. This was in response to the major concern expressed by so many parishioners during the Listening and Dialogue and Discernment
phases of the Plenary Council consultation about sexual abuse within the Church.
We can now report that a letter and proposal has been sent to Archbishop Comensoli regarding the raising of a sculpture/statue and plaque to be placed in the cathedral grounds, "as an act of sorrow and reparation for those betrayed and hurt by this abuse".
We await his reply. Work is continuing on the wording and placement of a plaque within each parish grounds, again acknowledging the pain and suffering of those abused and expressing sorrow, and the development of a ritual of sorrow/lament. It is encouraging to note that in the framework of the proposed motions for consideration for the Plenary Council members who meet again in July, there is an acknowledgement of "profound sorrow" and "unreserved apology" for the abuse of children and young people by Church personnel, that "religious leaders have failed to act sufficiently to prevent abuse" and a commitment "to do whatever we can to promote healing ... and acknowledge the need for repentance". An annual day of prayer is also mentioned, to particularly address the needs of those who have been hurt. We believe that the three projects above are ways that, at our local level, we are able to respond proactively to the pain and betrayal felt by many in our Church, now clearly acknowledged by the leaders of the Church.
Archbishop’s reply to the proposal out forward by the Partnered Parishes Plenary Facilitators’ Group (here)