Fox News 11 published a letter by Robert F. Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Green Bay, admitting his failure to disclose a sexual predator priest [Emphasis original] [1], as follows:
The Compass published a copy of Morneau’s Sept. 14 letter to Ricken. It reads:
September 14, 2018
Dear Bishop Ricken,
I write to you today with a heavy heart and great sorrow. In light of the recent public revelations of past abuse in the church and the call for more accountability on the part of bishops, I feel that my own actions are no less subject to scrutiny than those of other bishops. I failed to report to local authorities an incident of abuse of a minor by a priest in 1979 and, as a result, this priest was able to abuse again several years later. Because of this, I voluntarily request a withdrawal from all public ministry. I intend to spend my time in prayer for all victims and survivors of sexual abuse and I will do corporal works of mercy in reparation for what I failed to do.
Looking back, I should have handled this situation differently than I did at the time. At the time, I was asked by the family of the victim to arrange an apology from the offending priest, which I did. I felt at the time I had done what was asked of me by helping the parties to reconcile. The measures taken were ultimately insufficient to protect others from abuse from this same priest. I very much regret and apologize for this, especially to those victimized following my mistake in this regard.
I take full responsibility for my failures in this matter and ask for forgiveness and prayers for healing for all who were harmed. I apologize to all those who put their trust in me.
Peace in the Risen Lord,
The Most Reverend Robert F. Morneau
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Green Bay
[1] https://fox11online.com/news/local/auxiliary-bishop-withdraws-from-public-ministry-over-handling-of-priest-abuse-case
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