My dear people,

This week, I received and adopted the recommendations of the Task Force I appointed to review our diocesan policy of sexual misconduct by clergy, with a special focus on misconduct with minors. I am most grateful to the Task Force members for the hours of time they spent in grappling with the complex, legal, pastoral, psychological, canonical and spiritual issues involved and for their sage insights.

I would note these significant adjustments to the previous policy:

* All future allegations of sexual misconduct with minors which occurred within a five-year period or within the applicable statute of limitations will be turned over to the proper public authorities for investigation. Cases which are not deemed relevant by criminal authorities or which are beyond the statute of limitations will be addressed by our misconduct panel.

* Those who have been abused will be informed at every step of the process of their right to counsel and their right to bring the matter to civil authorities and will be urged to do so. Clergy accused will also have the right to full civil and canonical representation.

* Any formal settlements with those who have been abused will contain no confidentiality agreement, to avoid even the appearance of a cover-up.

* Our diocesan misconduct panel will be expanded to include representatives from law enforcement and from the victim's perspective. (Already, the panel includes parents, psychologists and a social worker.)

Those adjustments to our diocesan policy, of course, may be amended further by pending legislation before the New York State Legislature and by policies adopted by our U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops when we meet in Dallas next month.

In preparation for that meeting in Dallas, I would welcome your own views regarding any of the various issues surrounding this topic.

Let me take this opportunity to apologize, deeply and sincerely, to all who have been victimized by the sexual misconduct of clergy. Having met with those who suffered such abuse over the years, I have come to appreciate the profound trauma and potential life-long consequences which such persons endure because of this reprehensible violation of sacred trust. Any policy at the national level, therefore, must be victim-focused and designed to ensure the faithful that such misconduct will in no way be tolerated or condoned. The well-being of children and of any who put their trust in our clergy must be our highest priority.

It must be acknowledged as well not only that those abused have been seriously hurt but also that terrible harm has been inflicted on the entire Catholic community by this scandal. The serious misconduct itself and the way it has been handled by Church authorities like myself have generated great anger, resentment, cynicism and embarrassment for all Catholics. It has shaken people's trust in Church leaders and has opened deep wounds that will be difficult to heal. For this, I am most sorry and pledge to do all in my power to make amends.

I also apologize to the faithful priests who serve you so well and who have been tarnished by this scandal not of their own making and whose ministry has been placed under a cloud. Please let your priests know of your support, affirmation, love and prayers, as I understand many of you have been doing.

Finally, as the Pentecost feast we celebrate today reminds us so well, God will never abandon us, even in moments of sinfulness and shame, but rather sends forth the Holy Spirit to renew and purify us, to heal us and to lead us through suffering and pain to that newness of life that Jesus won for us by His Passover from death unto life.

I pray, then, that the Holy Spirit, the Consoler and Sanctifier, will guide us through this dark moment in our Church's history and enable us to emerge as a stronger, more prayerful faith community, evermore committed to fulfilling our diocesan mission "to be God's people: sharing a responsibility to witness God's unconditional love and to bring Christ's healing presence to our world."

With every best wish, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Howard J. Hubbard