Via Deacon Greg Kandra: Bishop to Flock: I feel deeply ashamed. H/T The Anchoress.

Facing a growing tide of sex abuse lawsuits, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee is filing for bankruptcy.  This afternoon, Archbishop Jerome Listecki released a statement.  A key excerpt, below.

“For those who may feel anger and resentment that we have come to this moment, STOP.  We are here because of one reason:  priests sexually abused minors.  For that, I feel deeply ashamed. As your bishop, I apologize to victims/survivors for the harm, pain and suffering they are experiencing.

I also want to apologize to all the faithful priests, religious and laity whose good works may have been tarnished by this ongoing tragedy.  This can be a difficult time to be a Catholic.”  Read more at Deacon Greg’s place.

We really need to pray for our Bishops. While we all have been deeply hurt by the clerical scandals, the Bishops are on the front lines.