August 22, 2018

The Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus are saddened and sickened by the recent news of sexual abuse committed by clergy in the Catholic Church. We are heartbroken for the victims and their loved ones, and for the pain and suffering they have endured. Our Christian faith is rooted in respect, trust, and dignity, and yet, for many decades, the Church has failed in protecting children, minors, and vulnerable adults from sexual predators within the faith community. We are deeply sorry for their despair and anguish, and pray for their healing.

In solidarity with our fellow brothers and sisters, the Holy Child Sisters call upon Church leadership to act immediately and decisively to end the sexual abuse crisis. While the Church’s 2002 Charter for Protection of Children and Young People and its subsequent revisions has made inroads, it’s not enough. More swift and proactive measures must be taken to protect our youth from sexual abuse. We call for honesty, safe environments, and accountability by Church leaders.

The Holy Child Sisters recognize that the majority of priests have not committed abuse and feel equally heartbroken and disgusted by the criminal actions of their fellow clergymen. We extend our prayers to them during this crisis.

Society of the Holy Child Jesus – American Province