Fulfilling the commitment made by Bishop Alfred Schlert and his brother Pennsylvania Bishops in mid-September, the Diocese of Allentown will establish a compensation and reconciliation program to assist victims and survivors of past clergy sexual abuse. The Diocese recognizes … [Read more...]
Statement from Bishop Schlert
Every Bishop inherits the history of his Diocese. It falls to him to shoulder any failings from the past, to apologize, to ask forgiveness, to promote healing, and to do what he can to prevent recurrence. The Grand Jury Report is a sad and humbling account of the Priesthood … [Read more...]
Bishop Schlert answers questions about the Grand Jury Report
The Grand Jury Report contains painful details of past clergy sexual abuse, yet you advocated for its release even as some others tried to block it. Why? It is only by confronting and understanding our past that we can continue to heal and move forward toward a goal we all … [Read more...]
DIOCESE STATEMENT ON STATEWIDE GRAND JURY REPORT
Past incidents of abuse contained in the Grand Jury Report are abhorrent and tragic. We apologize to everyone who has been hurt by the past actions of some members of the clergy. We know that these past actions have caused pain and mistrust for many people. The victims and … [Read more...]
Diocese Filed Written Response to Grand Jury Report
At the invitation of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Diocese of Allentown submitted a written response to the Grand Jury Report. Below is the response, submitted by Bishop Alfred Schlert on June 20, 2018. BISHOP SCHLERT’S RESPONSE TO THE 40th STATEWIDE INVESTIGATIVE … [Read more...]