Newark Archbishop Speaks About Church Sex Abuse Charges (VIDEO)

NEWARK, NJ — Back-to-back “revelations” of sex abuse charges within the Catholic church have turned the Archdiocese of Newark upside-down, according to its archbishop. But hopefully, the church can “rise again renewed” from the anger, shame and despair.

Last week, Cardinal Joseph Tobin – archbishop of Newark and a potential successor to the pope – released a statement addressing the charges facing his predecessor, Theodore McCarrick (watch video below).

McCarrick was removed from the ministry after allegations that he abused a teen 50 years ago. McCarrick, 87, said that he doesn't recall the abuse but he accepted his removal.

• See related article: Ex-NJ Catholic Church Leader McCarrick Ousted For Sex Allegations

Tobin also spoke about the recent publication of a report by a Pennsylvania grand jury alleging more than 1,000 victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in that state over a 70-year period.

The report, which was the result of a multi-year investigation led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, also detailed allegations of a cover-up by church leaders and accusations of sexual abuse against at least four priests who spent part of their ministries in New Jersey.

• See related article: NJ To Probe Church Sex Abuse Claims After Bombshell PA Report
• See related article: 6 Disturbing Details From PA Catholic Priest Sex Abuse Report

Tobin called for Friday, Sept. 14, to be a day of prayer and fasting throughout the archdiocese in recognition of the “sins and crimes of sexual abuse against children and adults by members of the Catholic Church.”

He plans to lead an evening service of “prayer, recognition and hope” at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

“On this day we will show our sorrow for what has happened and our solidarity with the survivors, as well as our unshakeable intention never to return our church to ‘business as usual,’” Tobin stated. “I expect all the priests to join me in this cathedral that evening to beg God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of those who have been abused.”

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File Photo: Mount Saint Dominic Academy / Pushparaj Aitwal (Cardinal Joseph Tobin speaks at Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell)