THE 2024 DAY OF PRAYER AND PENANCE FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Dear Sister and Brother Catholics in Japan,

The Church has been given the vocation to be “a sign and instrument both of a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race” (Vatican II, Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 1). Together we are on the way, striving for its realization.

Of course, none of us who form the Church is perfect and we cannot be an absolutely clear testimony to “a very closely knit union with God and of the unity of the whole human race.” Above all, our modern society in which the Church continues its journey is a world where violence against life is raging. Given this reality it is not easy to protect the gift of life, to respect human dignity, and to come together in unity. However, the Church cannot stop taking up the challenge to walk this difficult path because for the Church, “To proclaim Jesus is itself to proclaim life” (St. John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, 80).

Even so, in recent years there have been multiple reports of clergy and spiritual leaders in the Church who though they should take the initiative in protecting human dignity and promoting unity have committed acts of violence against life and of disregard for human dignity. The truth is that there are clergy and spiritual leaders who through their words and actions have not only destroyed the unity of the community but have also deeply hurt many through sexual abuse that humiliates and violates human dignity. After a long time, some people are finally expressing their heartbreak and suffering. In some cases, victims have been treated as if the damage is a result of their own words and actions, shifting blame to the victim and causing yet further harm.

On behalf of the bishops, I sincerely apologize for the actions of clergy and spiritual leaders who have caused such deep suffering for so long. We also apologize for degrading human dignity through words and actions that make victims feel blamed. Responsibility clearly lies with the perpetrators.

In 2018, Pope Francis published a “Letter to the People of God” that speaks of sexual abuse with sentiments the Church in Japan shares.

The pope speaks of “Crimes that inflict deep wounds of pain and powerlessness, primarily among the victims, but also in their family members and in the larger community of believers and nonbelievers alike. …. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated.”

Pope Francis has called for the entire Church to take this issue seriously, acknowledge its guilt, ask for forgiveness, and devote itself to restoring the dignity of victims. He instructs us to establish a “Day of Prayer and Penance for Victims of Sexual Abuse.” The Church in Japan has designated the second Friday in Lent as this day of prayer and penance. In 2024, this is Friday, March 1.

Since 2002, the bishops of Japan have responded by establishing guidelines and establishing a Desk for the Protection of the Rights of Children and Women. In February 2021, a plenary assembly of the bishops issued “Guidelines for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults” and established a system to actively engage in the actions required of the Church to protect life. In addition to deepening awareness through the activities of the Children’s and Women’s Rights Desk, a separate section has been set up to ensure that each diocese or religious institute responds responsibly to the words and actions of its own clergy and members.

Once again, I sincerely apologize for the sins of the Church, including indifference and cover-up. I pray from the bottom of my heart for God’s healing embrace of those who have been harmed. I also ask that you pray for your clergy and spiritual leaders.

Please join the bishops on the second Friday of Lent or on a Sunday near it as we pray according to the wishes of Pope Francis.