October 30, 2023

“Some years ago, I wrote an article for the Catholic Virginian in which I spoke about the idea of “extreme responsibility.” Extreme responsibility is a concept coined in the Navy Seals. It refers to the attitude any seal team member should have if they are to successfully accomplish a particular mission. Every member of the team must see themselves as personally responsible for the success or failure of the entire mission, no matter how large or small their particular role might be in planning or executing that mission.

“Some members of the team might seem to have small role. They might be tempted to believe that if their task was neglected or omitted, it would not affect the success of the mission. What the Navy Seals have learned though experience is that, when even one person has the attitude that their role is superfluous or unnecessary, the whole mission is in jeopardy. But, when everyone takes equal responsibility for the entire mission, the chances of success increase exponentially. Because everyone sees themselves as essential and their role as critical for success. I mention this concept in the context of the tragedy of abuse committed by clergy and others in Church ministry.

“We know that abuse occurs in many other settings. We know it occurs in families, and other places where vulnerable youth might be present. Incidents may be numerically rare, but each instance is a tragedy that severely harms an innocent person. The damage done is so great that it cries out to heaven for justice.

Bishop Knestout addresses those in attendance at the Mass for Hope and Healing held at St. Paul Catholic Church in Richmond, Oct. 24, 2023.

“The steps that our diocese has taken and the ongoing efforts to protect young people and vulnerable adults, the background checks and the ongoing educational efforts, the policies, and practices to ensure proper oversight and redundancy in supervision, are all part of the Church’s approach of extreme responsibility.

“Sometimes, an objection is heard from some volunteers, that they did not commit any offenses. They have been
careful, honorable, and dependable in their care for the vulnerable and the safety of young people. Why should
they have to pay the price? As understandable as this objection may be, it is only when we each see our role as essential and irreplaceable in safeguarding young people and the vulnerable, that the Church’s efforts will be most successful.

“The first reading speaks of original sin. St. Paul reflects with the Church in Rome regarding sin and redemption. Just as all suffer and experience the penalty of death and alienation from God, due to original sin, so too does the sacrifice of Christ remedy the penalty and effects of sin for every person.

“The damage from sin is great, and affects everyone in the human family. The remedy likewise is universally
available to every person. As Saint Paul says, ‘Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.’

“The sorrow and anxiety we experience due to the abuse crisis is justified. Horrific acts of abuse had been committed by those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the good of the community.

“In our ecclesial response, we do not lose hope, nor do we simply beat ourselves up in self-hatred. We embrace
the grace of redemption and are confident that all those who have been injured can receiving healing and
restoration, and all those who caused injury might have the opportunity to be held accountable, to experience
justice, but also the possibility of forgiveness and redemption.

“This is possible only because of the Paschal mystery and the sacrifice of Christ, who embraces the consequences and overcomes the effects of human failure and sin. This gives us hope despite the experience in the church of tragedy and failure.

“To all those injured by those in the church who should have been trustworthy, on behalf of the Church of Richmond, I renew our apology for the injury you suffered, and reaffirm our sorrow at the failures of the Church in response to your claims. I recommit this local church to vigilance in our care and protection of young people and the vulnerable.

“In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to remain awake and alert for his coming. His coming means judgment of sin and for the sinful. But, it also means new and eternal life for the innocent and eternal life for the holy ones.

“Jesus invites us to fight the tendency toward complacency and neglect, especially in anticipation of his return
in judgment. We are to remain alert to guard against all occasions of sin, protecting all from threats to the
physical and spiritual safety, and wellbeing of the innocent. We remain committed to vigilance in our efforts for
child protection and safe environments, for all who receive the help, ministry and graces of the Church’s life
and sacraments.

“May God strengthen us in these commitments, and in faithfully safeguarding the grace and traditions of the Church, in living out our mission, of teaching, sanctifying, and charity for all God’s children young and old.”

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