Petition Language

Whereas the Archdiocese of Pittsburgh confirmed on January 10, 2019 that Donald Wuerl had been informed of sexual abuse allegations against Theodore McCarrick in 2004; and
Whereas Donald Wuerl publicly stated that he had no prior knowledge of sexual abuse allegations against Theodore McCarrick; and
Whereas Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro accused Donald Wuerl of ‘not telling the truth’ related to the Pennsylvania Grand Jury findings released in August 2018; and
Whereas media reports have revealed many inconsistencies in Donald Wuerl’s statements related to the sexual abuse scandal; and
Whereas Archbishop Carlos Maria Viganò accused Donald Wuerl of being a ‘shameless liar’ in his testimony released in August 2018; and
Whereas Pope Francis accepted Donald Wuerl’s resignation in October 2018 due to alleged role in the cover-up of sexual abuse; and
Whereas Donald Wuerl has continued functioning as the apostolic administrator for the Archdiocese of Washington DC since his resignation and officiating in the public ministry of the Archdiocese; and
Whereas Donald Wuerl is scheduled to participate in the March for Life on January 18, 2019; and
Whereas Donald Wuerl’s continued public ministry creates scandal and brings shame upon the Catholic Church;
Now therefore, I do hereby respectfully request the immediate removal of Donald Wuerl from public ministry.