Oregon archbishop points to signs of hope amid abuse scandal

Published: 2003-12-02

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- Archbishop John G. Vlazny of Portland, addressing an assembly of 300 parish leaders Nov. 22, called the clergy sex abuse scandal "a great humiliation" that at one time he thought might dampen the evangelizing mission of the Archdiocese of Portland. But, the archbishop said, there are signs that the Catholic Church is bringing the Gospel to increasing numbers in western Oregon. More than 1,400 people joined the church last year, one of the highest numbers on record. This year's annual Catholic appeal exceeded expectations by hundreds of thousands of dollars; the 25 percent increase came from thousands of new donors who back the church's mission. And nine men began seminary training for the archdiocese this fall, the most in 15 years. Still, the scandal has caused a "big drain" of money and energy, said Archbishop Vlazny, who has headed the archdiocese since 1997.

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