“The Most Reverend Raymond Lahey, former Bishop of Antigonish, has pled guilty to possession of child pornography. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops condemns all forms of sexual exploitation, especially involving minors, and continues to work to prevent such behaviour and to bring healing to the victims and their families.                                                                                               

“Recognizing the confusion and anger that this case has engendered among many of the faithful, we underscore our pastoral concern for those who have experienced great pain as a result of these events. In a special way our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Diocese of Antigonish and all the Atlantic region.

“We reiterate the Catholic Church’s long-standing condemnation of the possession, distribution and use of child pornographic images in all forms, and renew our resolve to do everything we can to promote the dignity and respect of the human person.”

4 May 2011