Cardinal Cupich wrote the following letter June 12. To read the letter in Spanish, click here; to read it in Polish, click here.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I write to share information on our local Church. First, we have an update on the progress of our lawsuit against participants in a scheme to profit from false claims of abuse. These individuals sought to take advantage of the archdiocese’s pastoral response to claims, which is to trust claimants, settle cases with compassion, and support survivors of abuse in their healing. Recently, in a positive development, a judge ruled against efforts to dismiss our case. We are determined to press ahead with our defense against these false claims and the affront they represent to true survivors.
I am deeply sorry for every incident of abuse and the lifelong, often silent suffering that results. As painful as this history is, the only way to address it is with transparency and compassion for those truly harmed and an unwavering commitment to our preventive safe environment programs.
Still, over the past 18 months, we have seen a significant change in the legal environment, including widespread attorney advertising and an inflow of private equity financing supporting the law firms soliciting and bringing claims. This has resulted in an unprecedented and marked rise in the number of abuse claims, largely stemming from events alleged to have occurred decades ago. While we have compensated survivors with more than $400 million over four decades, this development risks undermining our ability to provide a just and equitable resolution of genuine claims and increases the likelihood of more false claims.
I have other news that should bring joy to all. There is truly something unique about our current times. Across the archdiocese and, indeed in the larger Church, more people are seeking purpose and meaning in their lives and, many for the first time, are finding it in relationship with God and His Church. This past Easter season, we saw a 50 percent increase in adults receiving their first sacraments. They were greeted with a sincere welcome and a promise to accompany them as they continue their faith journey. We are grateful for the inspiration provided by the Holy Father, our Chicago Pope Leo XIV, as we experience and rejoice in this heartening momentum.
The Church — each of us working together as the Body of Christ — is here to help heal the wounds of the past, to minister to the needs of people today and to provide hope for the future. We do this prayerfully through our parishes, schools, works of charity, and personal witness in our daily lives. I am deeply grateful for your support of the mission we share, to bring Christ’s love to the world.
Yours in Christ,
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago