Bishop Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement upon the decision of the Holy See announced today regarding the former Archbishop Emeritus Theodore McCarrick: “Today’s announcement that Pope Francis has approved the dismissal from the clerical state of the former Archbishop Emeritus, Theodore McCarrick, comes as a sad, yet just decision. While further investigation into this grave matter continues, this unprecedented step of dismissing a member of the hierarchy from all rights and obligations of ordained ministry, as well as all ability to function as a member of the Catholic clergy, is an important step forward. It is also a significant demonstration that everyone, regardless of rank or status, is accountable to the Law of God and the Laws of the Church. I affirm the statements made by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the official statement from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.