La Crosse bishop asks for prayers for ‘good’ priests

The bishop of the La Crosse Diocese has spoken out about the latest charges of priest abuse in the Catholic church. 

Bishop William Callahan has posted a message on the diocese website in response to reports that include charges that hundreds of priests in Pennsylvania that sexually abused over 1,000 minors in recent decades.

Callahan wrote, in part, “The first news about Archbishop McCarrick was indeed shocking and upsetting. That sad news was followed by the revelations concerning the unraveling of the incredible and disgusting stories of sexual molestations that took place over the decades in so many parts of the Church in Pennsylvania. Of course, I am personally touched and deeply grieved by these events — not only because I am a bishop, but because so many of the faithful are being struck with the tragedy of having their faith assaulted once again.”

Callahan called on church members to “be strong in your faith,” and “if we want good priests … we must pray for them!”

The La Crosse bishop added, “Yes, there is sin and evil action abounding around us. Sadly, that evil has come about from some of the very shepherds who were supposed to protect us.”

Read his full response here.