June 26, 2020

Archbishop Rozanski issues letter to parishes, pledges changes to abuse policies

REGIONAL
Staff report

Archbishop-designate Mitchell Rozanski speaks about his appointment as archbishop of St. Louis at a June 11 press conference. (iObserve file photo/Rebecca Drake)

SPRINGFIELD — Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, apostolic administrator for the Springfield Diocese, has requested that the following letter be read in all parishes this weekend. Writing in response to Judge Peter Velis’ report on abuse allegations against the late Springfield Bishop Christopher J. Weldon, Archbishop Rozanski details actions that have been taken, and will implemented, to ensure the appropriate handling of all future abuse allegations brought to the diocese.

Complete Text of Archbishop Rozanski’s Letter to Parishes

My brothers and sisters in Christ, 

It has been a difficult week for all of us here in the Diocese of Springfield as we learned from the Judge Velis Report about serious allegations of sexual abuse made against the late Bishop Christopher J. Weldon, allegations which Judge Velis (ret.) found to be credible, a finding that I have accepted. 

As I read that report my heart went out to this individual who suffered so much at such an early age. He came forward with much courage to share his traumatic story of abuse. I have personally sat and listened to his heart-wrenching recounting of his abuse. 

But what is most frustrating for me, and for all of you I am sure, is the Judge’s finding that this person’s case was mishandled from the onset, compounding this victim’s pain caused by his tragic abuse, with the pain of not being heard and treated with the compassion he was owed. I want to again apologize to this individual for all the pain he has suffered. 

But as I said Wednesday, apologies are not enough if not followed through with substantial changes in our system of receiving and investigating any and all claims of abuse. To that end, in studying Judge Velis’ report we have learned much how we as a diocese can improve our efforts, offering us an important roadmap for achieving real and substantial change. We all have to be resolved that this cannot happen in the future. 

Some of this has already been undertaken, including a more thorough intake and investigation procedure. In addition, we now have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the district attorneys’ offices in our region, an agreement that provides a clear and consistent procedure for reporting all claims of abuse that we become aware of in any manner. Furthermore, it is critical that all mandated reports within the diocese — clergy, educators, staff and volunteers — uphold our responsibility and duty to report allegations of abuse and neglect to civil authorities. We can expect more recommendations when our newly created task force, under the leadership of Judge Daniel Ford (ret.) and Ms. Irene Collins, begins its work in earnest. 

As we move forward I ask for your prayers, your understanding, and for your insights in any way that we as a diocese can reach out to victims and help them in the healing process. 

In closing, I understand that such revelations can understandably cause us to question our faith and especially those entrusted with leadership roles in our church. May Jesus the great healer come to give us inspiration and help, especially in times of great darkness and pain. We rely on our Lord Jesus, his Blessed Mother and the saints to help us in the days ahead as we seek to be a church of healing and of hope. 

Thank you and God bless you, 
+Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski
Apostolic Administrator
Diocese of Springfield MA