Joint Statement

The following statement is made on behalf of Westminster Abbey, The Seminary of Christ the King and the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Over the past several years, we, Westminster Abbey, The Seminary of Christ the King and the Archdiocese of Vancouver, have been involved in litigation in relation to a civil action commenced by D.H., a former grade eight student of the minor seminary, arising from sexual abuse which occurred in the late 1970s by Placidus Sander, OSB, then Vice-Rector of the minor seminary. In striving for restorative justice, the Abbey, Seminary and Archdiocese reached a resolution of D.H.’s claim with a settlement on terms inclusive of the content of this statement. We will provide further transparency by publishing all documents we disclosed in this litigation. In so doing, and in response to hearing D.H.’s recount of the abuse and its impact on his life, we freely acknowledge and accept the credibility of D.H.’s claims of abuse by Placidus Sander and the grievous harm he has suffered and continues to suffer as a result.

We also acknowledge, with sadness and remorse, any failures in admitting D.H.’s credibility or appreciating the magnitude and gravity of the damage he experienced or experiences now. With regret for any actions we have taken or omitted to take which have caused D.H. additional pain and suffering, the Abbey, Seminary, and Archdiocese are deeply sorry and extend to D.H. our sincerest apologies. In the spirit of reconciliation by which we all seek to be made whole as individuals and a community, it is hoped the monetary and non-monetary terms of the settlement will serve as both penalty and remedy as part of the journey of healing.

We hope and pray that this resolution will continue the process of healing for everyone involved, including D.H. and his family. May this healing, begun at the root, extend to generations to come with ever deeper mutual understanding and a strong foundation in justice.