I have written here extensively about the challenges we face in responding to an increasingly secular, permissive culture.

However, it is especially disheartening when these challenges come from within the Church. The way the U.S. bishops handled the sex-abuse scandal that shook the United States more than 15 years ago was a significant start to addressing what Pope Benedict XVI later called the “filth” infecting the Church. But the problem of sexual misconduct and abuse is far from over — and the implications are profound.

The most recent reports reveal that former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, faces a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor while he was a priest of the Archdiocese of New York. It was also revealed that the Diocese of Metuchen and the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, settled claims of sexual abuse with adult men over Cardinal McCarrick’s abuse of them. This appears to be just the tip of the iceberg.

As we have heard a response from the U.S. bishops’ conference and have heard from the Holy See, we again ask: How could this be allowed to go on for so long?

This question and many others are being explored and will be explored as the situation unfolds. Shining a light in the darkness is an essential aspect of Christ’s redemptive work. As these horrific allegations were revealed, the first reading from the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time proclaimed, “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:1). We must continue to pray for our leaders.

For our part, every time we pray the Creed, we declare: “I believe in one God ... Lord Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God ... the Holy Spirit, the lord and giver of life ... one holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” Do we believe this? Do we believe Christ gave us his Church and gave us the Eucharist as heavenly sustenance to face the battles of our age? That he died for us?

I believe that. I believe Christ promised us he would never leave us or his Church.

Scandal in the Church is always painful, and the stories of a prelate preying upon seminarians and young priests repulse us and reopen wounds of distrust. Our response requires persistence, faith, fortitude, courage and staying close to the Rosary and the sacraments. But that is what will make us strong. And there is always hope and healing in Jesus Christ, who does not disappoint. Let us be firm in our convictions as we walk this path, speaking out against injustice from without and within — and bolstering those along the way who have their faith shaken because of this scandal. God bless you!

Editor's Note: The Aug. 5 print issue went to press July 26, so this posting has been updated with the latest news.

UPDATE: Aug. 1 statement from the USCCB.