In follow up to the *present crises facing the church, Bishop David L. Ricken, Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, reaffirms his full-hearted commitment to ensuring that all people will be safe within our church. He has issued “Action Steps to Accountability” plus several departments of the diocese have followed up with their procedures and processes, i.e. Vocation Director, Safe Environment Coordinator, Chair of the Independent Review Board, and Victim Assistance Coordinator. Those documents follow herewith.
*stemming from accusations about Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and the release of the grand jury report from the State of Pennsylvania (August 2018)
“Jesus, as our life, is calling us to this moment of conversion, cleansing and purification in our church so that disgrace may be transformed into the grace of a new heart, new beginnings and, especially to those harmed by sexual abuse, abundant life…We ask the assistance of the Holy Spirit to bring healing to victims and survivors, and to bring health to the entire church.” ~Bishop David Ricken
In light of the call for more accountability on the part of bishops, Bishop Robert Morneau voluntarily withdrew from public ministry. His letter, and Bishop David Ricken’s acceptance letter, follow herewith.