New Orleans archbishop: open apology for all sexual abuse in the archdiocese’s history

Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans wrote a Dec. 26 open letter to every person who was sexually abused as a child in the archdiocese.

“I sincerely apologize to you for the trauma caused to you and to those close to you as a survivor of sexual abuse perpetrated by a member of the clergy, a religious sister or brother, or a lay employee or volunteer working within the Catholic Church,” the archbishop wrote in the letter. “Sexual abuse is an inexcusable evil, and I am ashamed that you or anyone should have been sexually abused by someone working within the Catholic Church.”

As CatholicVote previously reported, the archdiocese is undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy settlement. According to the Clarion Herald, the letter is part of the settlement, which includes both cash payouts and non-monetary elements.

In the letter, the archbishop expressed to those abused “profound regret over the tragic and inexcusable harm you have suffered at the hands of your abusers.” 

He emphasized that the victims are not to blame for what happened. 

“You were and are completely innocent and did nothing to deserve the pain you have suffered because of the hideous crime of sexual abuse of a minor,” he wrote. “The Archdiocese of New Orleans takes responsibility for the abuse you have suffered and pledges to keep children and all vulnerable people safe in our ministry.”

Archbishop Aymond said that he fervently hopes that, as the archdiocese’s Chapter 11 proceedings close, victims will experience “some sense of peace, justice, and healing.”

“I hold you and all survivors of abuse in prayer daily,” he concluded, “and encourage all to join me in prayer for you.”