Statements and Documents

On December 19 there was a fire in the worship space of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Sioux Falls. No one was injured. Law enforcement is investigating the cause. It is with great sadness that I learned of the fire at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, one of the oldest Catholic church buildings in Sioux Falls. This is especially sad as we approach the joyful season of Christmas. [icon name="file-pdf-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Read Full Statement

I was among those who were shocked, baffled, dismayed and frustrated by the intervention of the Holy See to prevent voting by the bishops on known proposals for addressing the issues Cardinal DiNardo noted in his statement. Any actions approved would have been subject to Vatican review. Despite this surprise directive which changed the tenor of the meeting, it did not deter the discussion. Dialogue among the bishops was spirited, in many ways more direct and heartfelt than those we have had over the years. The resolve of the body of bishops to straightforwardly address the crisis before us was clear, knowing the faithful question our credibility and expect and deserve specific action to prevent the failings of the past to come again. [icon name="file-pdf-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Read Full Statement

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has asked that we bishops join in seven days of intensified prayer beginning Monday, November 5 and continuing through Sunday, November 11. The prayer is to be accompanied by some form of fasting or personal sacrifice. This call to prayer is made in anticipation of the semi-annual meeting of Bishops scheduled to begin on Monday, November 12. During this upcoming meeting we will be called to make critical decisions regarding the tragedy of clergy sexual abuse of minors and the vulnerable. [icon name="file-pdf-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""]Read Full Statement

Bishop Paul J. Swain shares with you this statement from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Administrative committee on proposed actions related to recent sexual abuse concerns.   WASHINGTON--The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today in response to the recent sex abuse scandals. In the statement, the bishops say they pledge to “heal and protect with every bit of the strength God provides us.” Turning to the Lord “When each of us was ordained as a bishop, we were told: ‘Keep watch over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has appointed you to shepherd the Church of God.’ We, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, assembled last week in Washington at this time of shame…

The current tragedy in the Church resulting from renewed allegations of child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and around the world over many decades coupled with the allegations of the former papal representative to the Church in America and ambassador to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Viganò, suggesting a cover-up at the highest levels of the Church concerning former-Cardinal Theodore Mc-Carrick are shocking, demoralizing, and, rightly, shake the faith of the faithful. Most importantly, we are reminded through these revelations that harm, true burdens and the lingering reality of abuse, have been borne by our brothers and sisters in Christ for many years. Our hearts long to help all who carry wounds caused by abuse. [icon name="file-pdf-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Read Full Statement and Prayer

Recent revelations released by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania concerning child sexual abuse by clergy in many of the dioceses in that state and the lack of appropriate response by some bishops over seven decades have shocked, sickened and saddened us all. The graphic details reveal that the innocence and dignity of young children were violated by priests ordained to minister in the name of Christ through His Church who betrayed like Judas their ordination promises. I fully share the disgust and anger of all affected especially the victims and their families, and all faithful Catholics. [icon name="file-pdf-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Read Full Statement

Cardinal DiNardo's statement was endorsed by acclamation by bishops attending the spring USCCB meeting. June 13, 2018 Fort Lauderdale, FL—"At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life. The Attorney General's recent decision elicits deep concern because it potentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection. These vulnerable women will now face return to the extreme dangers of domestic violence in their home country. This decision negates decades of precedents that have provided protection to women fleeing domestic violence. Unless overturned, the decision will erode the capacity of asylum to save lives, particularly in cases that involve asylum seekers who are persecuted by private actors. We urge courts and policy makers to respect and enhance, not erode, the potential of our asylum system to…