Bishop Bradley releases statement on former Archbishop Theodore McCarrick

Bishop Bradley releases statement on the Holy See’s decision to dismiss the former Archbishop Theodore McCarrick from the clerical state
             
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (February 26, 2019) – Bishop Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding the former Archbishop Emeritus Theodore McCarrick:
 
“Today’s announcement that Pope Francis has approved the dismissal from the clerical state of the former Archbishop Emeritus, Theodore McCarrick, comes as a sad, yet just decision. While further investigation into this grave matter continues, this unprecedented step of dismissing a member of the hierarchy from all rights and obligations of ordained ministry, as well as all ability to function as a member of the Catholic clergy, is an important step forward. It is also a significant demonstration that everyone, regardless of rank or status, is accountable to the Law of God and the Laws of the Church.  I affirm the statements made by  Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the official statement from the  Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
 
“Most importantly, I call on all of us to unite our prayers with all survivors of clergy sex abuse. As Pope Francis prepares to convene the historic worldwide meeting of Bishops, representing all Episcopal Conferences throughout the world, beginning on Thursday, February 21st, through Sunday, February 24th, let us also pray that the Holy Spirit will guide those important deliberations, enabling us to find the necessary and effective solutions to root out the evil and sin of sexual abuse, especially among those raised to ordained ministry, forever.
 
“I once again urge anyone who has ever experienced anything of that nature, who has not already done so, to come forward by contacting the Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Sexual Misconduct Question and Reporting Line (877) 802-0115, your local law enforcement, or both.”
 
For more information and resources visit the Diocese’s dedicated website: https://protect.diokzoo.org. 
 
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The Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo is the territory of Catholic churches and community led by
Bishop Paul J. Bradley. The diocese was founded in 1971 when the Second Vatican Council called for the creation of smaller dioceses so that bishops could be more available to the people they serve. Today the diocese encompasses 5,337 square miles of nine counties in southwest Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch and includes 59 parishes as well as 21 Catholic schools. www.diokzoo.org.