Will you answer the letter?

As we report on the front page, the Bishop is using this communication with Catholics throughout the 14 counties of the Diocese to apologize to victims, to express sorrow for the mishandling of the issue by Church leaders, to restate his persistent backing for innocent priests who have been tarred by the scandal, to reveal that the panel he appointed to examine the Diocese's policy on abuse has completed its work and made recommendations for changes, and to solicit input from Catholics on the issue of clergy sex abuse.

That last point is significant. As he prepares to attend a June meeting of all U.S. bishops to address the topic in depth, Bishop Hubbard is looking for sound guidance and wise advice from his people. He wants to know what they are thinking.

Much of the past several months has been dominated by feelings as the justifiable emotions attendant to this issue have been felt and expressed. Now it is time for a rationality that builds on those emotions. When the bishops meet, they will examine this issue in all its complexity; for them to do so effectively, they need all the thoughtful advice they can get.

Bishop Hubbard wants yours. If you have something to contribute, be sure to answer his letter.

(05-16-02)