Retired US Cardinal removed from ministry over abuse allegation

Cardinal speaks at Davos 2008

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, 87, former archbishop of Washington, DC, has been removed from all public ministry following an allegation that he sexually abused a teenager when he was a priest in New York nearly 50 years ago.

In a statement the Cardinal Emeritus said: "Some months ago, I was advised by the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, that an allegation of sexual abuse of a teenager from almost fifty-years ago had been made against me. At that time I was a priest of the Archdiocese of New York.

While shocked by the report, and while maintaining my innocence, I considered it essential that the charges be reported to the police, thoroughly investigated by an independent agency, and given to the Review Board of the Archdiocese of New York. I fully cooperated in the process.

My sadness was deepened when I was informed that the allegations had been determined credible and substantiated.

In obedience I accept the decision of The Holy See, that I no longer exercise any public ministry.

I realise this painful development will shock my many friends, family members, and people I have been honoured to serve in my sixty-years as a priest.

While I have absolutely no recollection of this reported abuse, and believe in my innocence, I am sorry for the pain the person who brought the charges has gone through, as well as for the scandal such charges cause our people."

On Wednesday, Metuchen Bishop James Checchio and Newark's archbishop, Cardinal Joseph W Tobin, released statements saying there were no reports that McCarrick had abused a minor dwhen he served in those dioceses. However, the statements said, the Metuchen Diocese and the Archdiocese of Newark had received a total of three allegations that McCarrrick engaged in sexual misconduct with adults decades ago. Two of those allegations resulted in settlements.

"The abuse of anyone who is vulnerable is both shameful and horrific," Checchio said. "The abuse of a minor by a priest - as is being reported in this case from New York - is an abomination and sickens and saddens us all."

Cardinal Daniel N DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement in response to the announcement regarding Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

"As clergy in God's Church, we have made a solemn promise to protect children and young people from all harm. This sacred charge applies to all who minister in the Church, no matter the person's high standing or long service. This morning was a painful reminder of how only through continued vigilance can we keep that promise. My prayers are with all who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse. May they find healing in Christ's abundant love.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People - see: www.usccb.org/charter outlines a process for addressing allegations, holding us accountable to our commitment to protect and heal. I express my gratitude to Cardinal Dolan, who has carried forward with clarity, compassion for the victims, and a genuine sense of justice. With him, I express my deep sadness, and on behalf of the Church, I apologize to all who have been harmed by one of her ministers."

According to the The Washington Post, McCarrick is unlikely to face charges because New York state law prevents victims of child sexual abuse from pursuing charges after they turn 23.