Prayers for the Church must continue.
The Los Angeles Archdiocese in response to a court order released thousands and thousands of documents from files on priests accused of sexual abuse and stunned many with the announcement that retired Cardinal Roger Mahony has been relieved of his public duties.
Wow.
Archbishop Joze Gomez wrote a letter that appears on the Archdiocese’s website, which reads:
“My predecessor, retired Cardinal Roger Mahony, has expressed his sorrow for his failure to fully protect young people entrusted to his care. Effective immediately, I have informed Cardinal Mahony that he will no longer have any administrative or public duties. Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry has also publicly apologized for his decisions while serving as Vicar for Clergy. I have accepted his request to be relieved of his responsibility as the Regional Bishop of Santa Barbara.”
This is an astounding move. And likely sadly necessary. Cardinal Mahony is one of the most prominent Catholics in the United States.
Abp. Gomez reached out to victims of sexual abuse, offering his apologies and promising to work to ensure something like this never happens again. For that, we should pray.
