Peoria bishop blasts media, victims’ groups on abuse cases

February 09, 2009

In a letter issued this weekend to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Peoria, Bishop Daniel Jenky defended his handling of abuse cases and criticized victims’ groups and the media. Bishop Jenky wrote:

In these perilous economic times, I will work to be a prudent steward of the money you offer for the work of Christ. Attorneys representing some claimants and some "victims groups" obviously have a significant financial stake in trying to overturn our Diocesan policies. Recent decisions in the Illinois courts may make our legal situation even more difficult in the future. It should be noted that the sexual abuse of minors cuts across all socio-economic lines, ethnicities, ministries, and religions. It is important to remember that the State basically exempts its own institutions from civil litigation. Amid all the tensions of our nation's culture wars and in the face of the media's intense hatred for our Catholic Faith, I am increasingly concerned that our Church in effect no longer enjoys equal justice under the law. I will not be intimidated by choreographed demonstrations or the abuse that is sometimes personally directed against me. I remain immensely proud of the zealous and holy priesthood of our Diocese. May God guide and protect his Holy Church and bless us all in his service.

 

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Further information:

• Illinois bishop’s letter: Media has ‘intense hatred’ of Catholics (Quad-City Times)
• Bishop Jenky's letter: Media has 'intense hatred' of Catholics (Bloomington Pantagraph)