Lori added that a review of best financial practices for the diocese is still underway, and that additional details or updates will be announced "in a spirit of openness and with the goal of restoring your confidence and trust" as they are made.
"When a bishop is entrusted to care for a diocese, he is expected to be a wise and honest steward of its resources. He has responsibility to ensure that these resources are for the Church's mission of faith, worship and service. The Church has also put into place structures to help ensure that funds are used well and wisely," Lori said.
Several such checks and balances existed under Bransfield, though he managed to circumvent them. Lori said he hopes the new policies will strengthen the measures in place and prevent such financial abuse by bishops in the diocese in the future.
Lori added that although bishops, like priests, do not take a vow of poverty, "they are expected to lead a simple lifestyle and to manage their own finances."
"Excessive financial expenditures and the personal use of diocesan funds by any bishop stands in contrast to those bishops who engage in responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to them and who abide by the fiscal policies and controls in place to ensure a fiscally healthy Church," he said.
Lori concluded his letter by calling for prayer for the appointment of a new bishop to the diocese, and urged Catholics to entrust the future of their diocese to God.
"In the darkest days of exile, Jeremiah told the Chosen People that God had plans for them, plans for 'a future full of hope,'" Lori said. "As a diocesan church rooted in Christ's saving love, how much more confident we should be as we look to the future? Together, as the People of God, let us walk together, undaunted."
According to diocesan spokesman Tim Bishop, Lori's letter was sent directly to approximately 40,000 Catholics in the diocese, and it was published on the diocesan website and through its social media channels as well.