Bishop Issues Letter in Response to Clergy Sexual Abuse Author: Diocese of Fall River In the News 22 Aug 2018 Share Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has issued the following letter in response to the tragic instances of clergy sexual abuse that have come to light in recent weeks. He has asked that the letter be read and/or made available in printed form at all August 25/26 Masses celebrated in parishes in the Fall River Diocese. August 21, 2018 Dear Friends in Christ, Early this week, Pope Francis issued a “Letter to the People of God” in which he acknowledged “the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons.” I am grateful for the Pope’s impassioned response at this time. As you know, this very painful issue has once again come to the forefront of our Church, and all of us are shaken by it. Revelations about now former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and his subsequent removal from public ministry and the report of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury profoundly sadden and disturb me. I know that many of you feel the same way. I realize the anguish this has brought to our faithful parishioners in the Diocese. Understandably, you are upset, disillusioned and even angry. As Bishop of Fall River, I want to reiterate my firm, unequivocal commitment to doing all in my ability to ensure that a culture of safe environment permeates all ministries and programs offered by this Diocese especially those that serve our children and young people. In the spring, we established a separate, stand-alone Office of Safe Environment to oversee our child protection protocols and programs and hired two former law enforcement officials to oversee them. These changes, and others made thus far to our abuse prevention training program and CORI procedures, have strengthened our efforts in these areas. A predominantly lay Review Board, in place to serve as an advisory body in matters of sexual misconduct, has already begun a review of our policies on abuse prevention and response to ensure their optimum effectiveness. To access these policies and procedures and all related documents, please visit the diocesan website at www.fallriverdiocese.org and click on the Safe Environment tab at the top of the homepage. Pope Francis writes in his letter of the urgency to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to ensure the protection of minor and vulnerable adults, “…no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated.” You have my promise that I will do all that I am able to uphold this commitment here in the Fall River Diocese. With regard to the wider Church, I was pleased to learn last week that the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced a series of steps designed to implement stronger protections against predators in the Church and anyone who would conceal them, protections that will hold bishops to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Know that I firmly support such steps. In closing, let me assure you of my prayers at this difficult time. At the same time, I ask that you please join your prayers with mine for the eradication of all forms of sexual abuse and especially for those who have been victims of abuse in our Church, that they may find healing and comfort and the necessary strength for rebuilding their lives. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Bishop of Fall River Access the Bishop’s Letter in pdf form Diocese of Fall River Office of Communications Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Previous Next Related Posts In the News 7 Jan 2021 Diocese of Fall River Releases List of 75 Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of Minors FALL RIVER, Mass. (Jan. 7, 2021) – Today, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., announced that the Diocese of Fall River has published a list of 75 clergy who have … Read More In the News 24 Sep 2021 Bishop Issues Pastoral Letter, Urges Faithful to Action on Pathway Forward FALL RIVER (September 24, 2021) ̶ On the day marking his seventh anniversary of becoming leader of the Fall River Diocese, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has issued a … Read More In the News 26 Aug 2021 Bishop da Cunha Issues Letter to Priests on Vaccine Exemptions Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., issued the following letter to priests of the Fall River Diocese on August 25, 2021 in response to questions on letters of support for … Read More