The John Jay Study and National Review Board Report of Feb. 27, 2004 

In Washington D.C. today, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, with the help of the National Lay Review Board, is making public two studies, commissioned by the Bishops and the Review Board, relative to the grave crisis, which the Church is passing through. 

I, myself, have been invited to Washington to appear with a few other bishops and a number of Catholic laity on a program to be televised nationally by EWTN this evening, February 27. I go willingly to assist the Church in this time marked by pain and sorrow, but also by truth and hope. 

The first study to be released shows the nature and scope of the crisis. This will be very painful for the Catholic community. The second study is the result of extended research and interviews by Catholic laity, men and women, of significant personal accomplishments in their own lives. They have dedicated enormous energy, time and resources to help the Church understand how all this happened and to set us on the right path for the future. 

This study, if followed closely by the bishops, represents a moment of hope and grace for our Church. I am especially pleased with the focus, which our Lay Review Board has placed on the screening of candidates for the priesthood and renewed seminary formation. I also welcome their challenging words about the grave responsibilities of those who hold the office of bishop. 

In presenting these studies, the bishops have kept their promise to be transparent and to share with our people the whole truth, mindful of the Gospel admonition that, "the truth will set you free." 

This is a painful day, but also a day of hope. Because it is a day of truth, it also brings God's blessings. Let us all pray for this.