Bishops of England and Wales issue apology for sexual abuse

April 22, 2010

The Catholic bishops of England and Wales have issued an apology for the sex-abuse scandal, saying that there are "no excuses" for the abuses that have been revealed and acknowledging that the hierarchy failed to take appropriate action against clerical abusers.

The assaults on young people "are the personal sins of ony a very few," the bishops' statement says. "But we are bound together in the Body of Christ and, therefore, their sins touch us all."

"Furthermore, we recognise the failings of some Bishops and Religious leaders in handling these matters," the statement continues. "These, too, are aspects of this tragedy which we deeply regret and for which we apologise."

The bishops' statement notes that the new policies now in place "highlight what should have been done straightaway in the past." They promise full cooperation with law-enforcement officials in handling abuse complaints.

 

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Further information:

• No Excuse for Sex Abuse, say Bishops of England and Wales (Vatican Radio)
• Archbishop Vincent Nichols: statement on child abuse scandal in full (Daily Telegraph)
• Catholic bishops express sorrow over abuse scandals (BBC)