Since I arrived in Boston, healing and rebuilding the Archdiocese have been my priorities. One of the most difficult and heart wrenching issues we have faced as a Church has been the clergy sexual abuse crisis. We have endeavored to respond to the pastoral needs of survivors and their loved ones who have suffered greatly, and continue to ask for forgiveness and mercy.

After much prayer, reflection and consultation, today the Archdiocese will make available on our website a Publication With Respect to its Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Child. The link for a document which provides the rationale for this decision as well as for the new website itself is http://www.bostoncatholic.org/publication.aspx

This decision was made only after considerable input from the Cabinet, the Presbyteral Council, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, the Archdiocesan Review Board and many individuals.

It is my ardent hope that this Publication will contribute to the safety of children and healing in our Church. I pledge my continued prayers for all those affected by the crime of the sexual abuse of minors.

Cardinal Seán