Statement from Archbishop Coakley on safety of minors, vulnerable adults

August 17 - In the days since the Pennsylvania grand jury reported decades of abuse by clergy and with recent acknowledgement of the credible abuse by former Cardinal McCarrick, the priests and the people of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City have been on my mind and in my prayers. I have been offering my prayers and Mass for our priests and for the people of the archdiocese. I pray for wisdom and courage as your bishop as well as for the victims of such abuse and betrayal.
 
These are difficult times for the Church. As a bishop, I understand how difficult it must be to hear reports of such abuse done by priests and brother bishops because I feel it too. In a crisis like this, it is important to rely on the strength that comes from the truth of the Gospel. In these moments when evil and sin are being revealed to us, we are provided an opportunity for clarity and redemption. We have worked diligently to establish protocols and systems to prevent and report abuse, but we must not rest. We must continue – all of us – to improve, evaluate and build on the progress we have made. 
 
As your bishop, I am deeply grateful for our priests’ faithful service and dedication to their vocation and the people under their care. I am grateful for the employees, volunteers, parents and teachers who work faithfully to create an environment for children and vulnerable adults that is nurturing and inspiring and safe.
 
Let us always rely on the love of God who calls us, the wisdom of Christ who inspires us and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us. We are all called to be holy, to be saints. Pray that when we fail, God will have mercy and guide us in humble repentance and continued conversion.
 
 
-- The Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City