Here is the text of the archbishop's letter:

Dear Friends,

I want to extend my sincere thanks to all of you who have come together this evening to share your insights and observations about the scandal involving the sexual abuse of minors that has enveloped our Church For some ten years or more we have been seeking solutions to this problem here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Now for the future we need everyone to be actively involved in a solution that will ensure, to the best of our ability, that no one will be victimized again.

In our Archdiocese, we have two priorities. First, finding and caring for victims of sexual abuse. Second, making sure that our children and teenagers are safe. We must be committed to ensuring that these two goals are tirelessly pursued.

Next, we must make sure every allegation is rigorously pursued and the truth be known. Sexual offenders must be held accountable. We are also a just Church so we are concerned for protecting the rights of our priests from false accusations. We want also to be supportive of our priests who serve you so faithfully.

We scheduled these listening sessions because we need your help. We must work together as a community of believers to find the best solutions for moving forward. Please be active in your participation and know that your positive suggestions will help our Church in southeastern Wisconsin become stronger.

In particular, I am looking forward to hearing your input about the Special Commission's recommendations on how we handle future allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

I regret that I can't be present at each listening session tonight, but I will receive a complete report from each session. Know also that I am committed to scheduling more listening sessions if needed.

Finally, I want to say how profoundly sorry I am for anyone who has suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a priest. Please pray for the victims of sexual abuse and for everyone who has been touched by this scandal. Please pray for our Church, ask the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom, grace, and guidance we need to become a stronger faith community.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B.

Archbishop of Milwaukee