archive anunciado en el español
PDF file of letter in Vietnamese

My Dear Parishioners,

Last Thursday, I announced that my brother Bishops here in Orange and I have pledged ourselves to a new covenant with you. We are acutely aware of the damage that the present crisis of the Catholic Church in America and the Diocese of Orange has caused you and your family.

I ask for your forgiveness for the shame and humiliation that you have endured during this time. I know that this has challenged your faith in our Catholic religion and in our leadership as your Bishops. But I promise you that I will work to regain your confidence and trust. I am saddened by the hurt that the abused people have suffered by the disreputable clergy offenders, beg for the forgiveness of those abused, and pray for their recovery. I have implemented reforms and set up procedures to ensure that this never happens again. Personally, I am as embarrassed and ashamed of the actions of a few of our priests as you are. Many of these cases of abuse happened years ago, and the disgraced clergy left the ministry either voluntarily or were removed by me or my predecessors. No one remains in ministry today—clergy or layperson—who has a credible allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor.

I want you to know that I think that the deacons and priests ministering to you today are dedicated and sterling examples of their vocations and of living out their vows to Christ and His Church. I am proud to be their Bishop, and my brother Bishops, Jaime Soto, Dominic Luong and Norman McFarland, share my pride in these outstanding ministers. Like you, they have suffered greatly, and I ask the forgiveness of these clergy.

You will be receiving a copy of The Covenant next week at Mass, and you will be asked for your recommendations on how our Church of Orange can improve its ministry. This will become a renewed Church in the Diocese of Orange, a Church in which you can proudly hold up your head as a member. This will be a Church that ministers to you in a more open, transparent and participatory manner. This will be a Church in which you can place your confidence and trust. I am heartened as always by your faithfulness to God, our Church and your parish. Please keep our community in your prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Tod. D. Brown
Bishop of Orange

PDF file of letter in English
archive anunciado en el español
PDF file of letter in Vietnamese