Statement of Archbishop Vigneron Regarding the Vatican's Report on Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick

In response to the Vatican's release of its report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Vigneron issued the following statement:

“I join the rest of our Church today in the sobering but necessary task of reviewing the Vatican’s report on its investigation into former cardinal Theodore McCarrick. While the document is profoundly difficult to confront, I am encouraged by the Vatican’s commitment to produce and publicly release the information with which we must grapple if we are to continue the path of reconciliation, reform, and healing in our Church. The length of time invested in fact-finding and the length of the document itself indicates to me there was no fear in reporting the truth. The truth, as the Lord assures us, ‘… will set us free’ (Jn 8:32). The truth shows us the sure path to purification and reform.

“The immediate and most important takeaway from this report is to reaffirm our commitment to the care and healing of victim-survivors and to continue the renewal of our efforts to protect children and vulnerable adults. There is also a valuable lesson for all Church leaders on our responsibility to ensure this is never allowed to happen again. For this, I am grateful anew for the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR), newly-established earlier this year to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops and to relay those reports to proper authorities for investigation.

“To those harmed by the actions and inaction of Church leaders, on behalf of our local Church, I am sorry that you were neither protected nor heard. I hold you in prayer especially today, as I read this report and firmly recommit myself and the Archdiocese of Detroit to seeking truth, ensuring safety, and facilitating healing.”

Detroit Catholic Coverage:

• Victims in McCarrick report show fear, courage, anger, need for action
• Pope Francis, retired Pope Benedict questioned for McCarrick report
• Fighting abuse: What Pope Francis has done during his pontificate
• McCarrick report summary cites lack of serious investigations of abuse rumors

How to Report Abuse

Individuals with knowledge of sexual abuse by clergy or other Church representatives are urged to contact local law enforcement and/or the Michigan Attorney General’s Office at (844) 324-3374 or aginvestigations@michigan.gov. Individuals also may contact the Archdiocese of Detroit by visiting protect.aod.org, calling the toll-free, 24/7 victim assistance line at (866) 343-8055 or by emailing vac@aod.org. There are no time limits or restrictions on individuals wishing to report abuse.

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) has been established to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops and to relay those reports to proper Church authorities for investigation. To make a report, visit ReportBishopAbuse.org or phone (800) 276-1562. When a report includes a crime, such as the sexual abuse of a minor, it will also be reported to civil authorities. Otherwise, reports will be kept confidential.