Targeted by allegations of gestures of a sexual nature, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix released a video message to diocesans in which he categorically denies having “made any inappropriate actions towards anyone”.
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Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix addressed the faithful of the Diocese of Quebec in a video where he denies the facts with which he is accused.
The nearly six-minute video was broadcast on YouTube , Tuesday.
I know that these accusations have aroused many reactions of astonishment and caused suffering, let it be said from the outset Mgr Lacroix in the video.
Targeted by allegations of gestures of a sexual nature, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix broadcast a video message to the diocesans in which he categorically denies having “made any inappropriate gestures towards anyone”.
The name of Cardinal Lacroix, 66, recently appeared in court documents where he is the target of allegations of gestures of a sexual nature as part of the class action brought against his diocese.
I categorically deny the allegations made public. Never, to my knowledge, have I made any inappropriate actions towards anyone, whether minors or adults. My soul and my conscience are at peace in the face of these accusations which I refute.
A quote from Mgr Gérald Cyprien Lacroix
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The archbishop announced a few days ago that he was temporarily withdrawing from his functions. This is not a resignation, but a temporary withdrawal to allow us to better evaluate the next steps to take and consider the decisions to be made, explains Mgr Lacroix.
< p class="StyledBodyHtmlParagraph-sc-48221190-4 hnvfyV">The cardinal, who said he was affected by the events, affirms that he will respect the process of collective action in progress. For us, this is fundamental. We will continue to devote all our efforts to it.
Gérald Cyprien Lacroix deplores, however, that the firm Arsenault Dufresne Wee Avocats, responsible for a class action targeting the diocese of Quebec, has ended to the negotiations initiated as part of an amicable settlement conference proposed by the Superior Court.
Since his name is found in the list of alleged attackers, the cardinal indicates that he feels in an ambiguous situation.
I consider that this temporary withdrawal could help ensure that any future negotiations within the framework of the collective action are not disrupted, but on the contrary move towards a settlement, he adds. However, I fear that this decision unduly extends the time before the redress that survivors of sexual abuse have been waiting for too long.
The Diocese of Quebec takes note of the decision and the declaration of Gérald Cyprien Lacroix.
Although a blur persists on the nature of what is accused and the identity of the complainant is unknown, those responsible for the Diocese have initiated the internal process within the Church provided for in the motu proprio Vos estis lux mundi , writes the Diocese of Quebec in a press release.
He s' These are directives from Pope Francis which aim to denounce and prevent sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. The step of reporting to the Holy Father has been completed and we will await the outcome of the current process, adds the Diocese.
The Diocese is also saddened by the end of negotiations with the law firm Arsenault, Dufresne, Wee.
We remind you that at any time during the process, an amicable settlement is possible. Our door is open, we are fully prepared to offer a settlement which would be based on precedents in such matters.
The law firm responsible for the class action finds the cardinal's public outing surprising.
According to Me Alain Arsenault, the two parties signed a confidentiality agreement on the content of the amicable settlement conference proposed by the Superior Court. Saying that the firm has withdrawn contravenes this agreement, believes the lawyer. I would love to comment on this information, but I have signed confidentiality agreements. If they do that, that's when for me, they are in panic mode.
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Me Alain Arsenault
Me Arsenault recalls that the negotiations for a potential settlement lasted more than a year. He deplores that the cardinal sends a contradictory message when he says he feels the pain of the alleged victims.
They have a lot of compassion for the victims, it's beautiful. But afterwards? Yes, we pray for the victims, but what actions did they make afterwards?
A quote from Me Alain Arsenault, lawyer from the Arsenault Dufresne Wee Avocats firm
Me Arsenault invites potential victims to join the collective action.
Teilor Stone has been a reporter on the news desk since 2013. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining Thesaxon , Teilor Stone worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my teilor@nizhtimes.com 1-800-268-7116
