"I am asking every priest in the archdiocese to offer a Mass each month in reparation for the sins committed by cardinals, bishops, priests and deacons, and for all sins committed by clergy and lay people against the commandments of our Lord, as well as to pray for healing for the victims of sin."
"Too many seminarians, priests and bishops knew of Archbishop McCarrick's behavior and did not restrain him," he said. "Due to this, I call on the U.S. bishops' conference to ask for and allow an independent investigation that includes members of the lay faithful and those clergy who had nothing to do with the matter."
In June, Pope Francis removed McCarrick from ministry after an allegation he sexually abused a minor almost 50 years ago was ruled credible. In late July he resigned from the College of Cardinals, and the pope ordered him to adopt a life of prayer and penance pending a canonical process. Other allegations of sexual abuse and coercion have since been raised, and have brought to the public eye past legal settlements involving alleged misconduct while head of two New Jersey dioceses.
Archbishop Aquila said the Church's abuse scandals originate from complacency, and a culture influenced by the sexual revolution.
"We must recognize that complacency about evil and sin is present both in the Church and the world and has led us to where we are today. This culture of complacency among clergy and laity must come to an end!"
"Sadly, too many, both clergy and lay, have listened more to the world than to Christ and the Church when it comes to human sexuality."