The Bishop's of the Catholic Dioceses of Newark, Trenton, Paterson, Camden and Metuchen have released the following statement:
New Jersey’s Roman Catholic Bishops acknowledge that media accounts of the details contained in Pennsylvania’s grand jury report show a heartbreaking departure from our fundamental belief in the dignity and value of every child. As a Church, our calling remains unchanged - to help children in our care encounter leaders who exemplify God’s commandment to love and protect the most vulnerable.
As Bishops, we hold that every parent and every child deserve a safe environment to learn and explore their faith. Every space where teaching, worship, and ministry take place must provide this safe environment. There must be no compromise on this principle. The children entrusted to our care are treasures.
We cannot undo the actions of the past, but we shall remain vigilant to ensure that not one child will ever be abused on our watch.