The report on ex-Cardinal and ex-Priest Theodore McCarrick was released this morning by the Holy See.

While it will take time to read it with appropriate thoroughness, please know that I am praying for his victims and for all of those who have been hurt by the Church and her ministers through action or inaction. This report represents a darkness in the history of the Church, and is a reminder to those of us charged with shepherding the flock to remain ever vigilant.

The Priests of our Diocese and I, as your Bishop, are called each day to follow the example of Jesus Christ and live our lives to further God’s Kingdom on earth. The report released today chronicles an evil distortion of the vocation of Priesthood by Theodore McCarrick as well as negligence and abuse of authority that can neither be tolerated nor repeated. We must aim for the transparency and accountability that bring light into darkness and help us to continue to build God’s Kingdom.

The Diocese of Savannah is committed to protecting young people and vulnerable populations. I encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse by clergy, an employee or a volunteer in the Diocese of Savannah to contact local authorities and the Diocese Abuse Reporting Line at 1-888-357-5330.

Please pray for me as your Bishop, for the Priests of the Diocese of Savannah, and for the leaders of our Universal Church so that we may have the wisdom necessary to guide the Church through the darkness of this broken world. May Christ’s light guide us and bring forth needed healing and hope.

The Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes
Bishop of Savannah