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University of Portland's statement regarding former Cardinal McCarrick

President

July 30, 2018

Statement by the University of Portland

On July 28, 2018, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, retired Archbishop of Washington, from the College of Cardinals and ordered him to maintain "a life of prayer and penance" until a canonical trial examines accusations that he sexually abused both minors and adults. That resignation followed a finding in June by the review board of the Archdiocese of New York that accusations of sexual abuse of a minor were “credible and substantiated” after an investigation. 

In consideration of these developments as well as the serious nature of the allegations and impact on our campus community, the University of Portland has made the decision to rescind the honorary degree conferred on Cardinal McCarrick in 2008. In taking this action, we uphold our UP community values and commitment to fostering a world that is free from sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other forms of violence. We extend our prayers and support to any person whose life has been tragically impacted by sexual abuse.