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Bishop’s Response to Abuse Crisis

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A Letter to the Faithful from Bishop Mark - March 29, 2026: Even though we have reached a monetary settlement, today the focus is on survivors.

Bishop's Column - October 2, 2025 No suffering should be ignored: We have been focusing in recent weeks on hearing the histories and narratives of survivors of sexual abuse. In offering my own ear I do not presume that listening alone — especially as a representative of an institution members of which inflicted that abuse by commission and omission — can help survivors find a path forward.

Bishop's Column - September 18, 2025 Sins of the Fathers: For three days last week I listened to riveting testimonies of some 60 brave and beautiful survivors/victims of sexual abuse. An emotionally wrenching experience, it was a painful cry of anguish from the heart ... Many diocesan leaders chose to join me along with attorneys and at least one insurance carrier. I wish more were there.

'Great Courage ... To Speak Out' Bishop Scharfenberger, diocesan leaders listen as abuse victims tell their stories. The Evangelist, September 12, 2025: On Wednesday, Sept. 10, in room 306 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York in downtown Albany, people who allege they were abused by priests and others employed by the Diocese of Albany got to tell their stories, some for the first time.

Bishop's Column - November 13, 2024: Hearing a survivor's story gives me hope that it will inspire others to come forward with their own. (Below is the column Bishop Ed referred to)

Clergy Abuse: Priests are the antidote - The Evangelist, November 13, 2024: A column by Teresa Pitt Green, an abuse survivor and an advocate for trauma-informed pastoral care.

Bishop's Column - October 24 and 31, 2024: In a lively discussion that followed the performance of the one-man, one-act play, “Groomed,” last Sunday evening at Siena College, Patrick Sandford presented these “inconvenient truths” in the hope that more awareness may move us to find better ways of preventing incidents of abuse before they occur.

Witness to the Truth: Diocese of Albany hosts U.S. premiere of ‘Groomed,’ an award-winning, one-man play written and performed by abuse survivor - Article in The Evangelist Oct. 24 and 31, 2024

Bishop's Column - July 24, 2024: "People who have been hurt and abused sometimes become so despondent that they cannot believe it possible that any benevolent, let alone loving God could permit such pain and tragedy as they or a loved one may have experienced."

Bishop's Column - April 18, 2024: "...I sincerely and readily apologize as I pledge to continue to make amends to all who have been wounded and scarred within and by the Body of Christ, especially survivors of sexual abuse by clergy and other members of that same mystical Body."

Bishop's Column - August 10, 2023: "Anyone wounded by the ravages sown by those in league with the Evil One, can come to the source of all true love, peace and healing, Jesus himself, in the sacramental life he offers in his Church."

Bishop's Column - June 1, 2023: “In speaking of courage, I am especially grateful, in fact, in awe of the survivors of sexual abuse that I have been graced to walk with in these latter days of my priesthood.”

Hope and Healing Mass, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Amsterdam - April 30, 2023 Bishop Edward Scharfenberger's Homily at the 10:30am Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Click here for Homily.

Bishop's Column -April 27, 2023: Bishop Edward Scharfenberger apologizes to anyone and everyone who has in anyway suffered by the actions of one claiming to be part of our church.

Hope and Healing Mass, St. John the Baptist, Valatie - Jan. 14, 2023 - Opening statement, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger's Homily, closing statement. Click here for video

Letter to Parishioners - October 3, 2022 Bishop Edward Scharfenberger announces a series of “Hope and Healing Masses” focused on helping all who suffer from various forms of brokenness, trauma and abuse.

TV Interview - August 4, 2022 In an exclusive interview, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger responds to sex abuse suits

"I am here to listen" - August 1, 2022 Bishop Edward Scharfenberger hopes no one will have to suffer in silence, to reach out to him and have a conversation

TV Interview - July 31, 2022 Bishop Edward Scharfenberger meets with a child sex abuse survivor at the same parish where he was abused decades prior

‘I WANT WHAT’S BEST … FOR ALL SURVIVORS’ - July 13, 2022 Bishop Edward Scharfenberger explains to the Evangelist why he believes the Diocese of Albany’s draft mediation proposal, released last week, is the best course of action for victims/survivors who have filed lawsuits under the New York State Child Victims Act.

News Release - July 8, 2022 Following months of development and consultation, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany is unveiling the draft of its Victims/Survivors Compensation Plan (VSCP) which is seen as an equitable alternative to litigation or to chapter 11, a lengthier and costlier process.

News Release - June 29, 2022 Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger is reaching out to announce another path for Victims/Survivors in the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese.

Good Policy – April 13, 2022 The Evangelist reports on the Catholic Church’s response on a bill that would add clergy to the list of mandated reporters in New York State.

A Powerful Message – April 7, 2022 The Evangelist shares the message conveyed in a beautiful display at the Pastoral Center, recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Bishop’s Column – April 5, 2022: Bishop Scharfenberger’s column talks about the need for the Church to be a safe space for all, especially survivors of abuse.

Bishop’s Column March 17, 2022: Bishop Scharfenberger talks about raising expectations and trusting God in troubling times.

‘Evening of Reflection’ set for those who have been abused – October 6, 2021 The Hope and Healing Committee plans an Evening of Reflection.