Rome, Italy, Feb 29, 2020 / 15:44 pm
Following the conclusion of the Legionaries of Christ's general chapter, the religious order's new leader has vowed to instill ideals for protection and transparency in the face of the sexual abuse crisis.
Father John Connor, the first U.S. leader of the order, announced Feb. 28 the release of two documents containing the reflections of the 2020 General Chapter in Rome, which included over 66 representatives from the order around the world.
"My councilors and I, together with the General Chapter gathered these days in Rome, have committed ourselves to face with courage, transparency and justice the consequences of sexual abuse that occurred in the history of our Congregation and that we published in the Report 1941-2019," Connor said.
Connor was elected earlier this month following widespread public criticism of the Legionaries of Christ. A December 2019 report found that, since its establishment in 1941, 33 priests from the order have committed sexual abuse of minors, victimizing 175 children.