Letter from Bishop Checchio on Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report

Bishop Checchio has asked that his letter below be shared with the parish community.

August 17, 2018

My Sisters and Brothers—This week’s report released by the Pennsylvania Grand Jury following an investigation of cases of sexual abuse of minors by clergy in six dioceses of Pennsylvania, dating back to the 1940s was devastating. When we hear of such abuse, our hearts ache for the pain so many have suffered at the hands of those who were entrusted with their spiritual care. It is a painful and horrific chapter in our history that must never be repeated.

One priest of our diocese, Father A. Gregory Uhrig, was included in this report. Father was made aware of his inclusion a few months back, but was forbidden by the Grand Jury to speak publicly on this serious matter before the release of the report on August 14th. I want to make you aware that the allegation noted in the report was previously addressed and resolved. In 2010—at the time that the allegation was first received—it was reported to law enforcement in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Father Uhrig was placed on leave from priestly ministry in October 2010 and prohibited from engaging in any ministry of any kind until the matter was fully investigated, determined and resolved. Father Uhrig went through a canonical trial which concluded that the charge was not proven. Father was then returned to ministry, and this was publicly reported. After reviewing the facts of the trial, the Holy See’s Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith accepted the court’s decision and declared it a closed matter. Regrettably, some online media accounts about his case are incomplete or inaccurate. The serious and careful handling of Father Uhrig’s case demonstrates the Diocese’s longstanding commitment to pursue truth and justice in all matters brought forth regarding the abuse of a minor by clergy, no matter the length of time that has passed since the alleged actions occurred and no matter the rank or status of the person accused.

Newspapers have reported recently that that Archdiocese of Newark is going to undertake an audit of their clergy files to examine closely the sexual abuse issue. I want you to know that back in 2002, the Diocese of Metuchen underwent this type of thorough audit of all the files of the priests of the diocese. It was conducted by an outside law firm and our diocesan chancellor. The Diocese turned over to law enforcement every alleged case of sexual abuse or misconduct we had at that time, including cases that pre-dated the founding of our diocese in 1981. Since that time, it has been our practice that the Diocese of Metuchen has turned over to the County Prosecutor’s Office every single reported claim of sexual abuse or misconduct.

In addition to this reporting protocol, the diocese provides training and background checks for all those working with youth in our diocese, posts notices about reporting abuse in our diocesan newspaper, website and social media platforms, and asks parishes to post notices in their gathering areas and in the bulletins to encourage people to report any abuse. Though the Grand Jury report could give the impression that nothing has changed in the Church and abuse is still occurring and overlooked, I want you to know that in our diocese, the last case of reported abuse of a minor in one of our parishes was two decades ago. Our efforts are making good progress in protecting our children.

The accusations against Archbishop McCarrick likewise show, gratefully, that no cleric is exempt from this policy. I have also spoken with the seminarians of our diocese about the need to report any kind of abuse or harassment by anyone in a position of authority over them in the Church. In addition, a group of advisors from the diocese are working to address how we can ensure that similar abuses, especially of seminarians or young priests, would not happen again by establishing a reporting process with an independent reporting structure that allows for anyone to bring an allegation forward without the fear of retribution of any kind and would ensure accountability on all levels.

The Pennsylvania Grand Jury report, and the accounts of Archbishop McCarrick’s misconduct, illustrate the unacceptable treatment of abuse and misconduct of many people. I am saddened, ashamed and embarrassed by this admission. In recent years, however, our diocese has worked forthrightly and strongly in this regard. There are many things we do today that are different and more strenuous than in years past and we have made great strides in creating safe environments in our parishes and our schools. We can never be complacent though, and I certainly promise you that we will not.

In the midst of such terrible news, we must not lose sight of the truth that Jesus is still with His Church. Everywhere I go as a bishop I continually meet faithful, good people who love their faith, their clergy and religious, and continue to look for us to be a sign of hope. I work with all the energy our Lord gives me to try to also be a sign of hope in our day. May the Faith be alive in each of us as we continually look to Jesus to guide us, protect us, purify and renew us.

We can and must be the Body of Christ that we are called to be through our baptismal commitment. The world desperately needs Jesus more than ever. May they find Him in the renewal of our Church at this very time and through each one of us.

Know of my gratitude and love for you and of my prayers for you, and I ask that you remember me in your prayers too.

—The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen