THE TELEGRAPH: The leader of Catholics in England and Wales, Archbishop Vincent Nichols, has issued a statement expressing "deep shame" over the child abuse scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church.
The Archbishop of Westminster referred to the "inadequate response by some church leaders" to the "terrible crimes" committed.
He said: "The criminal offences committed by some priests and religious are a profound scandal. They bring deep shame to the whole church."
"We express our heartfelt apology and deep sorrow to those who have suffered abuse, those who have felt ignored, disbelieved or betrayed.
"We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses.
The statement made at the Bishops' Conference in England and Wales said the church would do everything possible to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"We recognise the failings of some Bishops and religious leaders in handling these matters. These, too, are aspects of this tragedy which we deeply regret and for which we apologise. >>> Peter Hutchison | Thursday, April 22, 2010
