SEATTLE – Out of “deep concern” for the people of the Archdiocese of Seattle in light of recent revelations of clergy sexual abuse, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain sent a letter to all parishes in the archdiocese to be read from the pulpit at Masses September 8–9.

“In recent months, the Church in the United States has been profoundly shaken by the news of Archbishop McCarrick, the Pennsylvania Grand Jury report, and the message of Archbishop Viganò, former papal nuncio to the United States,” the archbishop wrote. “One could not help but be upset, angry and confused by these things. Today I would like to offer some words of pastoral love and care for all of you.”

Archbishop Sartain apologized “first and foremost” to victims of clergy sex abuse, and also to all the faithful in the archdiocese “for the effect the current scandals are having on your faith, your trust in us bishops and the Church, and your peace of mind.”

The archbishop said this is “a time to act for the healing and credibility of the Church in the name of Christ,” adding that “such action must include deeper involvement of the laity.”

Read the full letter below.