Troubled and saddened by the news of the Diocese of Wilmington’s filing for Chapter 11 reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, I extend the sympathy and support of the people of the Archdiocese of Baltimore to Bishop Malooly, to our Catholic sisters and brothers in the Diocese of Wilmington, and to all who are impacted by this painful and unfortunate decision.
In recognizing the pain and sadness accompanying this action for all involved, I also wish to acknowledge our own Archdiocese’s long-standing and ongoing efforts to bring healing to victims of sexual abuse suffered at the hands of priests and others representing our Church.
We must and will continue this necessary outreach as long as there are victims suffering, just as we also must continue to meet the needs of countless people in cities and towns throughout the Archdiocese—Catholic and non-Catholic alike– who rely on us to serve them in our parishes, schools, and charitable institutions. Both are important and both require the fullness of our commitment, our hearts and our prayers.