Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This week, several articles reported on two pieces of legislation that are moving through the New York State Assembly. Both bills address the important issue of child sexual abuse. Local papers have questioned the appropriateness of my advocacy for the Lopez/Kruger bill and my opposition to the Markey/Duane bill.

I have asked your pastor to read this letter to you at Mass because my experience this week is that the press is actively distorting the truth. For the last eighteen months, I vigorously opposed the Markey bill because it promotes the myth that the issue of child sex abuse is not a societal problem, but rather solely a Catholic problem. During that time, I have urged you to contact your elected officials and demand that a comprehensive solution would have to include public and private institutions alike. After months of telling us otherwise, and only because of your efforts, the sponsor finally acknowledged that her bill created two classes of victims.

Yet the battle is far from over. Our success has made us a target. A small but vocal number of individuals are waging a campaign of distortion to silence the Church on this and other important public policy issues by threatening our “tax-status.” It is telling that you never hear such threats against churches other than the Catholic Church.

Despite the amendment to the Markey bill, we continue to support the Lopez/Kruger bill as better public policy. At the end of the day, I do not believe any of us can support legislation that will open a “window” for lawsuits for allegations that date back in some cases for 50 years ago or more. These claims would be impossible to defend against because over time memories fade, people die and evidence gets lost. Moreover, the adversarial process of litigation is an insurmountable barrier to bringing about what is necessary, healing. In the end, this would enrich trial lawyers with the funds that you and your families have contributed over the years, while crippling and potentially closing parishes and schools.

Since coming to Brooklyn, I have met with more than 40 victims of abuse. My policy is to meet with anyone that alleges abuse. The meetings are emotional and, hopefully, cathartic. Regardless of the credibility of the claim, the Diocese of Brooklyn offers all victims counseling and pastoral services.

When a child is abused, he or she is robbed of innocence. These crimes against the innocent are especially hateful when committed by someone who is called to image Christ. My hope is that as we move through this legislative process we may reflect on what more needs to be done to help to heal the scars of abuse in the Church and the broader culture.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D.

Bishop of Brooklyn