August 19, 2005

Dear friends in Christ,

Local news media today (August 19) carried reports of two lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese of Denver in matters regarding a former priest of the archdiocese. Obviously, in any litigation or pending litigation, our ability to discuss the issues involved is greatly restricted.

I want to emphasize once again for the people, priests, deacons and religious of our local Church that we take the safety of our young people and families very seriously. We treat every allegation of sexual misconduct with the gravity and urgency it deserves. We respect the law and cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. We cannot control allegations concerning the past, but we can and do work earnestly to maintain a safe Church environment for all Catholics in northern Colorado. We do not, and will not, tolerate any priest in service in the archdiocese with a credible claim of sexual abuse of a minor against him.

We sincerely regret the suffering of any victim of sexual misconduct or abuse. We encourage, once again, any person with an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, even from the distant past, to contact Ms. Nancy Walla (303.715.3226) who advises me directly in these important matters. She will respond sensitively and promptly. We have committed ourselves to following the archdiocesan Code of Conduct that has served our people well, and to applying the U.S. bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People throughout our archdiocesan life consistently. This will not change.

Thank you for your continuing trust in the Church.

Fraternally in the Lord,
+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Denver