Northwestern PA Bishop Asks Abuse Victims to Come Forward


Bishop Rowe

[Episcopal News Service]  Saying that he had learned of "four credible allegations of sexual abuse" by a former bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Bishop Sean Rowe asked July 11 that women who may have been sexually abused during their childhoods by Bishop Donald Davis to come forward.

In a pastoral letter read last weekend in the diocese's 34 churches, Rowe said his request was part of his effort to "seek healing and reconciliation for those who have been harmed."

"Sexual abuse in any form is abhorrent in any community, and as your bishop, I feel particular pain that one of my predecessors betrayed the trust and innocence of children," Rowe said in his letter. "On behalf of the church, I offer an abject apology to Bishop Davis' victims, their families, and everyone whose trust in the church has been violated, and I ask for your forgiveness."

Bishop Rowe's letter and additional resources can be found by clicking here.

Click here for the full ENS news article.