Though a judge ruled the report confidential in December 2022, Baltimore Circuit Judge Robert Taylor Jr. issued an order that a redacted version of the report be released to the public.
Neither Lori nor the archdiocese has opposed making the report public. In his Monday letter, Lori said he hopes “this public accounting” will “help to usher in a new era of peace for people who were harmed, strength for our communities of faith and restoration for the Church in Maryland and beyond.”
While admitting the Church’s failings during the investigated period, Lori’s letter asserted that the archdiocese has changed its policies and become a leader in responding to and combatting the sexual abuse of children by clergy.
“No one credibly accused of child abuse is in ministry in the Archdiocese today,” Lori stated. “For decades, the Archdiocese has also been reporting allegations to law enforcement when they are learned.”
Despite these more recent strides, Lori expects the attorney general’s report will reveal grievous abuses and sins on the part of the Church.
“The report covers a period in the Archdiocese’s past when our response to such allegations was woefully inadequate. Much has been and will be said about our failures in this regard,” said Lori. “All of this will be devastating to read, especially for victim-survivors, and yet another painful reminder of failings in the Church’s past and the terrible harm inflicted on many innocent children.”
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