Dear friends: This week was one of the worst weeks in the church and in the Society of Jesus. By January, all of the US Jesuit Provinces will have released the names of Jesuits credibly accused of sexual abuse. This was the right and moral thing to do. 1/
It is part of the process of confession, which we hope will lead to healing and reconciliation. And to be clear: any credibly accused Jesuit today is immediately removed from active ministry. And any Jesuit who may have committed a crime is reported to civil authorities. 2/
But the release of names means that the stories of abuse will be read and cause further outrage and despair. 3/
For my part, I will try to keep you up to date on these stories. In a way that may be hard for some to understand, Jesuits are outraged and ashamed—by the crimes we read about, past decisions of superiors, and the immense pain our brothers have caused. 4/
In many cases, these sins and crimes were committed by men who are now dead, and decisions were made by superiors who are no longer alive, and so there is even anger and outrage at the dead. 5/
So where do we go? For my part, I will try to keep you up to date and comment when I can say something helpful. In some cases, anything one says will be insufficient. 6/
Like my brothers, I made a vow to remain a Jesuit “forever,” which includes these terrible times that can tempt us to despair. My brother Jesuits I know are committed to preventing abuse, supporting victims, fostering healing and making amends. 7/7
