Archbishop Weakland's Statement on Sex-Abuse Allegation
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Following is the text of Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland's statement concerning the settlement of allegations of sexual abuse. The statement was released Thursday by the Milwaukee Archdiocese.
I have never abused anyone. I have not seen Paul Marcoux for more than 20 years. When I first met him here in Milwaukee, he was a man in his early 30s. Paul Marcoux has made reference to a settlement agreement between us. Because I accept the agreement's confidentiality provision, I will make no comment about its contents.
Because I have financial responsibility for the well-being of the archdiocese, I want to let the people of the archdiocese know that through my 25 years as bishop, I have handed over to the archdiocese money obtained by my lectures and writings, together with other honoraria. Cumulatively, those monies far exceed any settlement amount.
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Given the climate in today's world where the church must regain its credibility, this situation would be an added and continuing distraction from that goal. I do not want to be an obstacle to that search on the part of the church, which I will continue to love with all my heart and which I have served to the best of my abilities for these 51 years.
As required by church law, I submitted my resignation as archbishop to the Holy Father on my 75th birthday on April 2nd. I have now asked the Vatican to accelerate its acceptance.
I ask for prayers and healing.