Corner Brook -
A statement regarding the latest scandal to rock the Catholic Church was issued by Bishop Douglas Crosby and delivered at parishes throughout the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador during Sunday mass.
The bishop was attending a retreat with other Catholic clergy late last week when news of child pornography charges being laid against former bishop Raymond Lahey broke across the country.
Lahey, who served as bishop in what had been known as the Diocese of St. George's in western Newfoundland from 1986 to 2003, turned himself into Ottawa police Thursday. An arrest warrant had been issued for him after charges of possessing and importing child pornography were filed against him in relation to a search of his laptop computer at the Ottawa airport by Canadian border officials Sept. 15.
"During our annual retreat for priests last week, we heard the disturbing media reports of the criminal charges laid against (former) bishop Raymond Lahey," Bishop Crosby stated in his message to parishioners. "With you, we are devastated, shocked, and saddened.
"Our hearts go out to everyone who is affected by these events: his family and friends, the parishioners and priests of the Diocese of Antigonish, the parishioners and priests of our own diocese and the other dioceses in Newfoundland and Labrador, his fellow bishops and, most of all, those who may be victims.
"Such events surely challenge our faith."
Bishop Crosby hopes the Catholic community will find the strength to renew its faith in the coming weeks and months as this ordeal unfolds.
