(This is the statement given by Archbishop Marino June 17.)

In response to allegations of child molestation by certain local priests and questions about the response of the archdiocese, on May 11, I commissioned a comprehensive internal review of the entire matter. The review is now completed. I have studied its findings and recommendations along with all the related background material including documents, letters and written accounts of interviews.

In regard to the allegations themselves I am confident that the review provides me with a comprehensive understanding of the complaints so that I am informed of the scope of the situation and its various details.

The review also provides an evaluation of the official response by Church officials from the time the allegations were made until my installation as archbishop of Atlanta. The nature of this response has occasioned some questions. While my own response might have been different, in retrospect I believe that the actions taken were adequate under the circumstances. Since my arrival in Atlanta I have assumed personal responsibility for directing the official actions of the archdiocese in these mattes and the review process has been very helpful to me.

This report has provided me with recommendations on how to respond should a similar situation arise in the future. Accordingly I have begun, with the help of the appropriate archdiocesan officials, to formulate specific guidelines which will be based on the following procedures: 1) All such allegations will receive my personal attention with the assistance of experts. 2) The civil authorities will be informed and the archdiocese will cooperate fully in their investigation. 3) Meanwhile, the archdiocese will do everything in its power to effect healing for all involved.