Phoenix: The Church must face the fallout of the abuse scandal with humility and courage, Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix has said while predicting “very difficult” years ahead for the Church. “We need a spirit of humility, but also courage and praise for the mercy of God who is always present and working within us,” said Olmsted in an interview published by the Catholic Sun Nov. 22 to mark the 50th anniversary of the diocese.
“There’s a need for a sense of humility, especially with what we have had to face in the terrible scandal,” said Olmsted. “When those who are ordained to serve others are actually taking advantage of others, that’s a horrible scandal,” Olmsted said that humility in the face of failures was essential in seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Olmsted has led Phoenix for 16 years–nearly a third of the diocese’s history. He said he had no previous experience of the area upon arriving in Arizona, and was very unsure as to what it would be like to lead the diocese. Despite this, he explained that he feels “very much like the spiritual father” to the Catholics of Phoenix and that he is “deeply moved by being here.” Phoenix is the fastest-growing city in the country, something that Olmsted said has caused him to rely more on his trust in the Lord that things will work out.
