Statement by Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. The Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Church: Notre Dame’s Response

Recent months have brought us deeply disturbing news reports of clergy who not only were unfaithful to their vows, but who used the trust afforded by their position to sexually exploit those in their charge; of bishops who failed in their responsibilities to bring offenders to justice and protect the most vulnerable; and, most wrenching, of victims whose lives were so damaged by abuse. We read just last week of an unprecedented gathering in Rome at which Catholic leaders from around the world heard the tragic stories of survivors and discussed what was needed to eliminate such abuse in the Church and combat it everywhere.

I have heard from many in the campus community how the stories of the past months disheartened and challenged their faith. This time has been a real dark night of the soul for many of us. The great mystic and spiritual writer St. John of the Cross, who coined the phrase “dark night of the soul” for the spiritual desolation we sometimes feel, emphasized, as all great spiritual masters do, that such dark nights are sent to purify and deepen our faith, hope, and love.

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