Dear Sisters and Brothers,

On some of the Sundays this autumn, I have made it my business in my sermons to address the tragedy of child abuse as it affects the Church and our communities. The current publicity attracted by the diocese of Cardiff and the recent Panorama programme only serve to underline the urgent need we have to address these questions.

There is a perception, largely outside the community, of the Church, that we do not provide a safe environment for children. We know that it is not true but the perception is there because of the evil and highly-publicized actions of a few, among whom are to be found priests, religious and lay people. Their actions have been a tragedy for us and for their victims and they shame us deeply.

There has rightly been a demand that the Church should apologize to victims for these dreadful crimes that have been committed within our communities. Unreservedly, I offer that apology - on my own behalf and, in so far as I can, on behalf of the diocese. I apologize to all those whose lives have been devastated, and even destroyed, by the sin of abuse within our community.

This word of apology and sorrow comes from the depths of my heart but I feel that it is not enough. As a whole community, we need to share in the shame that comes to us because of the actions of a few. We all feel soiled and sullied by this evil.

Our apology has to be rooted in our hearts and coupled with our willingness to beg for forgiveness - forgiveness from victims, forgiveness from God. In regard to this matter, as in so many others, we have to become a truly penitential community.

Every action of abuse, whether physical, emotional or sexual, is a tragedy and a potential devastation for the person concerned. We cannot undo the past but we can make absolutely sure that we do our best to help to restore lives that have been shattered in this way.

Most importantly, we have to do everything we can to make sure that these things do not happen again and cannot happen within our community. Even one act of abuse is a tragedy for whoever is the victim and these things have no place among us. We have to make as sure as we can that our communities are safe for children.

We have a Child Protection Team which is, at present, preparing a programme that will be used to raise awareness of the issues at all levels throughout the diocese. We have Child Protection Guidelines and procedures that are being reviewed and updated and I want to see them in place in every parish and community as soon as possible.

We have our parishes and we are blessed with strong leadership from our priests and deacons. We have our schools and all that they offer in terms of the ethos of Christian living. We have, above all, our families and our parents who strive to give only the best for their children. With the Lord’s blessing and with our untiring efforts, this evil of the abuse of children will be outlawed in our communities.

I find it very difficult to write of these things but I believe I have a duty to make my voice heard. I feel able to speak to you with confidence because I am sustained and reassured by your faith and your fidelity to the Lord. I know something of the love that lies within your hearts and I call upon the grace of hope that lies within us all. 

This letter comes with my blessing and my best wishes to you all.

"May the Lord bless us and take care of us. May the Lord be gracious and kind to us.
May He look on us with favour and give us peace."

 

Bishop Crispian Hollis

Bishop of Portsmouth                                                                                                 1st November 2000

To be read and made available at all Masses on the weekend of November 11th,12th 2000.