Pa. Cardinal: Abuse Charges 'distress' Everyone

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The archbishop of Philadelphia is releasing a video message to parishioners, telling them that charges announced last week in the priest sexual abuse scandal bring "great sadness and distress to every Catholic, every person."

Cardinal Justin Rigali released the video message Saturday, two days after Philadelphia's district attorney announced charges against three priests, a parochial school teacher and Monsignor William Lynn. Lynn was secretary of the clergy and a top official in the Philadelphia Archdiocese from 1992 to 2004.

Rigali is calling for "a moment of renewed faith."

The three priests and teacher were charged with raping boys. Lynn was accused of endangering children, not molesting them. Lynn's attorney has said he doesn't concede for a moment that he knew he was putting children at risk.