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Photo: Archbishop Gregory Aymond; via Wikipedia.
The Archbishop of New Orleans, Gregory Aymond, has released an open letter addressed to every person who was sexually abused as a child within the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Felix Miller of CatholicVote.org reported today. The letter, dated December 26, acknowledges the harm suffered by survivors and expresses institutional responsibility for abuse that occurred under the Church’s care.
In the letter, the archbishop wrote to survivors, “I sincerely apologize to you for the trauma caused to you and to those close to you as a survivor of sexual abuse perpetrated by a member of the clergy, a religious sister or brother, or a lay employee or volunteer working within the Catholic Church.” He continued, “Sexual abuse is an inexcusable evil, and I am ashamed that you or anyone should have been sexually abused by someone working within the Catholic Church.”
The apology comes as the Archdiocese of New Orleans continues its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, which includes both financial compensation and non monetary settlement terms. The letter was issued as part of those proceedings and is meant to publicly recognize the harm experienced by survivors.
In the letter, Aymond expressed “profound regret over the tragic and inexcusable harm you have suffered at the hands of your abusers.” He emphasized that survivors are not to blame for what happened to them.
“You were and are completely innocent and did nothing to deserve the pain you have suffered because of the hideous crime of sexual abuse of a minor,” he wrote. “The Archdiocese of New Orleans takes responsibility for the abuse you have suffered and pledges to keep children and all vulnerable people safe in our ministry.”
The archbishop also expressed hope that the conclusion of the bankruptcy process will help survivors move toward healing. He stated that he hopes the settlement process will bring “some sense of peace, justice, and healing” for those who were harmed.
The letter concluded with a message of prayer and acknowledgment for survivors. “I hold you and all survivors of abuse in prayer daily,” he wrote, “and encourage all to join me in prayer for you.”
