CNA/CWR: Legion of Christ seeks forgiveness, change with new norms
The document also encouraged its members to reflect on how to best comfort the victims of these scandals and correct these instances of abuse moving forward. According to the statement, the congregation seeks to instill a new attitude.What reason do we have to think that they have the viri to accomplish this?
“In addition to confronting past cases of abuse and accountability, the Congregation seeks a change of mentality, a change of habits and a change of the institutional culture that allowed so much suffering to occur, and also to continue the effort of renewal based around the creation of safe environments together with the whole Church.”
Shortly after Connor was elected, the new leader received criticism about his negligence regarding past abuses. He was accused of mishandling abuse complaints surrounding Fr. Michael Sullivan, a Legion priest who reportedly acted inappropriately with women through touching and other interactions.
Gail Gore, a spokesperson for the Legion, told CNA Feb. 7 that Connor and the order handled the situation with the proper levels of communication, including sending an open letter about the situation to all members of the Legion in December. He said the accusations do not accurately represent the exchange.
Official website for the general chapter (Spanish). Photos (candid? or staged publicity photos? you decide)