In 2019, the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Diocese of Savannah invited Georgia Attorney General Christopher M. Carr to conduct a third-party review of our handling of past cases of suspected child sexual abuse by clergy. A list of these cases has been maintained on the Diocesan website since 2018.) The report released today by the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys' Council (PAC) represents a voluntary effort on the part of the Catholic Church in Georgia to be transparent about the past and to hope for continued healing for survivors of abuse.

The sexual abuse crisis has been a blight on the Church and a source of profound suffering. While the sins of the past cannot be overlooked – and indeed must be acknowledged – I assure you that the Church of today is firmly committed to the safety and protection of children.

My heart aches for those who have been affected by the scandal of abuse in any way, from the victims and their families to those who have had their faith shaken by priests who betrayed the love of Christ. Please know that there is always an opportunity for healing and that the Church herself longs to console all who suffer.

Please join me in praying for all victims of abuse and for the efforts of the Church to end abuse in all forms and in all places. Let us pray also for the good priests damaged by the actions of others, and for the repentance of abusers.

May the Lord grant us his healing and his peace.

All are invited to join me at the annual Diocesan Holy Hour for Healing to be held at St Joseph Catholic Church in Augusta on April 14 at 7 pm.