Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Beginning in early 2002, I told you on various occasions of my personal sadness that, tragically, some who have ministered in the name of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have preyed upon the most vulnerable members of the flock and have caused them incalculable harm.

Since then, it has become apparent that the greatest betrayal in the Church is for one who has committed his life to minister to God's People after the model of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, to use his spiritual position to abuse or injure any member of that community.

Once again I sincerely apologize to anyone who has suffered from sexual misconduct or abuse by a priest, deacon, lay minister, employee or volunteer of the Archdiocese. I acknowledge my own mistakes during my eighteen years as your Archbishop. Apologies are vitally necessary, but, of themselves, are insufficient. My goal as your Archbishop is to do all in my power to prevent sexual abuse by anyone serving our Archdiocese now and in the future.

Moving the healing and reconciliation process forward requires the fullest possible disclosure of what happened over the years. The victims deserve nothing less. The "Report to the People of God: Clergy Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, 1930-2003" has been made available today (Feb. 17) on our Archdiocesan website, www.la-archdiocese.org.

The Report represents our best understanding of the history of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese and our efforts to eliminate this scourge. It includes the best information we can glean at this time about the number of priests and religious who have sexually abused minors and the number of victims of such abuse.

You have my commitment that all of us in leadership of the Archdiocese will work closely with all of you, our Catholic Community, to make certain that everyone in our Church --- especially our children and youth --- is safe, and that their faith lives are nourished through our various ministries and apostolates.

As we prepare to begin once again our Lenten Journey, I invite you to join me in prayer and penance during this holy season so that all victims and those who have been affected by sexual abuse will experience the love and comfort of Jesus our Redeemer, and that reconciliation and healing will be abundant for them.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

His Eminence
Cardinal Roger Mahony
Archbishop of Los Angeles