Archbishop Coakley's Response to Viganó Testimony

Feast of Saint Augustine

Dear brother priests, deacons, consecrated women and men and members of the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City,

The August 22 release of the eleven-page “testimony” of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganó, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, has sent shock waves throughout the Catholic Church.  This document merits, indeed it demands deeper examination and verification of each of its claims.  Like so many, I am deeply troubled by the assertions contained in this unprecedented document.  

While I lack any personal knowledge or experience of the details contained in his “testimony,” I have the deepest respect for Archbishop Viganó and his personal integrity.  His claims, yet to be investigated or substantiated, confirm the urgency of a thorough investigation of Archbishop McCarrick’s advancement through the ecclesiastical ranks given his history of alleged abuse, involving seminarians and young people. I lend my voice and support to that of Cardinal DiNardo, President of the USCCB, and so many of my brother bishops in asking for such an investigation.

This is a very dark moment in the history of our beautiful, but wounded, Catholic Church. We are called to prayer and penance for the purification of the Church and our bishops and priests must set the example. It calls for a renewed commitment to vigilance, transparency and accountability from our shepherds and indeed for the whole Church.  Only prayer, penance and deeper conversion will guide us through this dark period.  

I am encouraged and finding consolation as I reflect on the Lord’s promise to Peter that “the gates of hell will not prevail” against his divinely established Church.  We have his promise, “I am with you always.”  Let us cling to that promise!  God is faithful.  God is with us.  

Please pray for all victims of abuse, especially those harmed by members of the clergy.  May God deliver us from this deadly scourge!  Please pray for me and for all our priests and deacons.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley
Archbishop of Oklahoma City