Bishop David Zubik Shares Letter Anticipating the Release of the Grand Jury Report

A letter from Bishop David Zubik is being read at all Masses this weekend in all parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh in order to prepare the faithful for the impending public release of the interim Grand Jury report. A copy of the letter can be found here.
 
In his letter, Bishop Zubik shares his continued concern for the victims of sexual abuse and sorrow for the harms they suffered at hands of members of the clergy. In addition, Bishop Zubik promises to continue to provide assistance to victims of abuse.
 
The letter also reminds the faithful of the work the Diocese of Pittsburgh has undertaken over the past 30 years to respond to allegations of abuse by clergy and to prevent abuse. As the letter notes, “These steps have made a difference and continue to do so.”
 
In addition, Bishop Zubik announces in the letter that he intends to release the names of clergy from the Diocese of Pittsburgh against whom an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor has been made. This list will be made public when the interim Grand Jury report is released, “out of respect for the work of the Grand Jury and the process outlined by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.”
 
Finally, Bishop Zubik shares his concern for the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, knowing that their faith may be tested by the release of this report. In addition, Bishop Zubik encourages the faithful to support “the vast majority of dedicated priests and deacons of the diocese who bear the shame and the pain of the worst deeds of their peers.”
 
In addition to being read at Mass, will be published in the Pittsburgh Catholic in August  10 ^th edition and in parish bulletins the weekend of August 11/12.