Synod: New Evangelization in the midst of the sexual abuse crisis
(Vatican Radio) – The fact is that there is widespread distrust in the Church and
its leaders in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis. So, how do we evangelize those
who have been deeply hurt by clergy who have been involved in sexual abuse? This was
the question put to the Synod Fathers in the course of the week by a Canadian Bishop,
a man who is dealing first hand with the fallout from the crisis in his own home diocese,
Bishop Brian Dunn of Antigoinish, Nova Scotia.
“It is extremely difficult to
try to rebuild that trust” he told Emer McCarthy in an interview during a recess between
working sessions. “In my own diocese particularly so, because the former bishop was
involved in child sexual abuse, child pornography and that was the pinnacle of peoples
loss of trust”.
Catholic News Service reports that the Diocese of Antigonish
has sold hundreds of properties in an effort to raise the money necessary to cover
legal settlement and sexual abuse lawsuit costs from before Bishop Dunn's appointment.
In 2011, the previous bishop, Raymond Lahey, pled guilty and was jailed on charges
of importing child pornography. The former bishop was laicized by the Vatican in May.
The
task facing Bishop Dunn is a steep one, but this has not discouraged him in his mission.
He not only raised the issue of the sexual abuse crisis in session but also made proposals
of how Church leaders facing similar situations can –despite the odds – evangelize.
Listen to the full interview with Bishop Dunn:
Below
the full text of his intervention:
H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Brian Joseph
DUNN, Bishop of Antigonish (CANADA) How do we evangelize those who have been deeply
hurt by clergy who have been involved in sexual abuse? Jesus dealt with those who
were disillusioned by listening attentively to the stories of the disciples and leading
them to a new awareness of his presence. This example of Jesus shows that the new
evangelization, which must happen in the midst of the sexual abuse crisis, occurs
in at least four different ways. Provide real opportunities of listening and discerning
together to appreciate the depth of hurt, anger and disillusionment associated with
this scandal. This listening ministry could become a part of every diocese in the
form of an office of mediation where people could bring their hurts and seek appropriate
reconciliation. Consider the reasons why this crisis has happened. Put into place
measures which will create safe environments for children and all who are vulnerable
in the faith community. A spirituality of communion must permeate all relationships
and structures within our parishes and local churches, through a consultation that
brings people together, acknowledges the presence of God's Spirit working in the members
of the community and assists in responding to those who feel that their voice is never
heard in the Church. Support co-responsibility by bringing change in certain structures
of the Church and in the mentality, attitude and heart in the ways of working closely
with lay persons. These changes could include the appointment of pastoral teams consisting
of clergy and laity, an official reflection on and recognition of lay ecclesial ministers,
a deliberate and systematic involvement and leadership of women at all levels of Church
life, e.g., permitting women to be instituted as lectors and acolytes and the institution
of the ministry of catechist. When this happens, the Gospel will be heard anew,
our faith will be passed on more effectively, we will be renewed in our faith and
our witness will become more authentic in our contemporary world.