The man imagined and misconstrued for so many years by mainstream news media surprised them all by his warmth, gentleness, affirmation of the good in America, and candor. And nowhere was that candor more powerful than in his forceful comments on the clergy sex abuse scandal, and his personal meeting with victims of abuse. In a culture where nearly every positive gesture by a prominent person is picked apart for its public relations content, Benedict’s pain over this American tragedy and his apologies to victims were clearly heartfelt.

Six years after the clergy abuse story first broke, we’ve learned a number of difficult lessons. While some victims of abuse recover and continue with their lives, others take much more time to regain their health. Many victims of clergy sexual abuse still need healing. The Church in the United States has worked hard in recent years to acknowledge and help them, but more outreach and caring are needed.
In my own private meetings with abuse victims, I’ve been struck by their courage and the love and concern of their families. I’ve also been moved by the lack of bitterness shown by many of the victims, and their sincere desire for closure and healing. Even when their anger is strong, that anger is often a first step to healing. Listening firsthand to the experiences of abuse victims is draining and deeply distressing—but the focus of the Church is, and should be, on caring for each person who bears this burden.

As a bishop, I’ve apologized in person on behalf of the Church for the difficulties these persons have faced. It’s also important for the Church not just to remember the problems of the past, but to take every appropriate step to protect young people and families in the future. Here in Denver, through prevention policies, background checks, safety training and education programs, that’s been our earnest commitment for many years. That commitment will continue permanently in the years ahead.
In his talk last week to American bishops, the Holy Father reminded us again of the grave evil of childhood sexual abuse. He also voiced his distress at the actions of some bishops during this tragedy. At the same time, he also acknowledged the dysfunctional nature of much of modern society’s sexuality, and the way it helped create the abuse crisis. It’s also true that the sexual abuse of children is by no means an especially “Catholic” problem. The scope of sexual abuse of young people in our public schools and other public institutions is now a widely reported fact. Sexual abuse is a problem that cuts across every profession and level in American society. What Catholics have learned from the clergy abuse crisis could be very valuable in helping to prevent abuse in other settings.

The task I outlined for our local Church three years ago, when allegations of sexual abuse first surfaced here in Denver, remains the same today. We are committed to supporting and helping anyone who was a victim of sexual abuse in the past by a member of our archdiocesan clergy. We also have the obligation to protect the faith and resources of those many Catholic families today who are innocent of any blame and often were not even alive when incidents of abuse took place in the past.

Balancing these duties isn’t easy. But it’s the path we’re on for the foreseeable future. Benedict XVI has reminded us that we need to pursue this challenge with an honest and humble heart.