"We cannot undo the actions of the past, but we shall remain vigilant to ensure that not one child will ever be abused on our watch."
New Jersey’s Catholic dioceses have conducted some 380,000 criminal back-ground checks of all diocesan and parish personnel who have regular contact with minors. In addition, all Catholic dioceses have integrated a comprehensive program of reporting abuse to civil authorities, compensating and counseling victims, implementing rigorous protocols, and training for more than 2.3 million clergy, employees, volunteers, and children.
We thank law enforcement agencies, child protection advocates, and victims themselves who have helped us move beyond compliance to creating the safest environments for learning and worship. We are deeply thankful for those who have joined our efforts to extend both healing and hope to every victim and their family.
We renew our commitment to foster healing and seek forgiveness.
-Statement of the Roman Catholic Bishops of New Jersey
August 25, 2018