About 80 people from across the Diocese of Cleveland gathered recently to pause for prayer and to share their thoughts with Bishop Nelson Perez on the continuing crisis of child sexual abuse in the Church.
The session, held at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma, was titled “Courageous Conversations: Responding to the Catholic Church Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis.” It offered attendees an opportunity to share their thoughts with the bishop. The moderator was Dobie Moser, director of the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry & Catholic Youth Organization for the Diocese of Cleveland. The event provided a forum for local Church leadership to listen and respond to the thoughts and feelings of the people of the diocese on this serious topic.
The gathering began with Father Dan Schlegel, secretary for clergy and religious in the diocese, bringing the group into prayer and reflection in the retreat center chapel. In prayer, Father Schlegel implored the Holy Spirit to heal the wounds and transform the brokenness of the people in these challenging times, and provide the courage, wisdom, humility and grace that we all might find peace in God.
Afterwards, attendees met in small groups and had the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings on the abuse crisis with others at their table. Recurring comments offered included expressions of sadness, outrage, embarrassment and betrayal. Table facilitators kept an anonymous record of what was said.
Bishop Perez addressed the group after the table conversations. He shared his own thoughts about the current crisis and how it has affected him on different levels. He said that as a Catholic and a human being, he feels hurt and sadness and that he has struggled with deep anger over the situation in the Church which he said was “beyond scandalous -- a word that doesn’t even begin to express my feelings.”
The bishop answered a multitude of questions and listened intently to the opinions expressed. Afterwards, he thanked those gathered for their concern and candor.
Moser also thanked the participants for their involvement in the evening’s discussion. He said he was grateful to those who shared their honesty by offering their thoughts and feelings. Mosier asked for continued prayers that the session would help lead us to compassionate, discerned action.
Many attendees said they were grateful for the opportunity to express their feelings during in the special forum.
Those attending this special session were members of the St. John the Evangelist Leadership Guild. The mission of the Guild is to encourage spiritual development by broadening understanding of the Catholic faith, provide Christian fellowship and deepen personal relationships with Jesus.