Metuchen Bishop decries the abuse at Edna Mahan

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 
 
As the bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, I have been blessed to travel throughout the four counties of our diocese, often meeting and praying with so many faithful disciples of Christ, each facing their own circumstances in life. Though my travels have been lessened by the pandemic, among those in the diocese whom I have been fortunate to meet on regular past visits are the women housed at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton, situated in Hunterdon County.

In these past few years, you have likely seen in the news, as I have too, the dire situation facing the women incarcerated there. Sadly, just last month, several women brought forward more horrible allegations of abuse, both physical and sexual in nature. No person, no matter their past offenses nor circumstance in life, should have to endure such abuse.

These disgusting and shameful offenses against the women there, alleged to have been perpetrated by the prison officers, the very people charged with protecting the women in their custody, are terrible. This sad, ongoing situation calls to mind other failures and lack of responsibility by those in authority, even not unlike past failings by some of our own Church’s leaders and members of clergy. 
 
The Diocese of Metuchen is blessed to have Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., our diocesan chancellor, to oversee our handling of cases of abuse amongst many other matters in the life of our local Church. Before he began his service to the Diocese of Metuchen, Mr. Kearns served for approximately nine years as the Hunterdon County Prosecutor, during which time he prosecuted claims of abuse at Edna Mahan, New Jersey’s only women’s prison. In his own experience prosecuting those cases, Mr. Kearns acknowledged that while institutional change can take time, the abuse happening cannot be tolerated. 
 
I pray that those in authority over the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, who bear the weight of caring for and protecting the lives of those imprisoned, will honestly assess any failings and implement the proper measures so that each person there is treated as a child of God, worthy of inherent dignity.

As Catholics, we are reminded in the Gospel, “Whatever you do to the least of my people, you do to me” (Mt 25:40). In the Diocese of Metuchen, we are fortunate to have several prison ministries, one of which minsters to the women at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility. I am grateful to all who serve in prison ministry and to those who volunteer through parish prison ministries. Through their ministry, they continue to live the Gospel message. However, I am also mindful that each of us is commissioned to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy, to care for the imprisoned, and to protect all human life.

We have a shared responsibility – as Catholics, as Christians, and as brothers and sisters united in one human family – to defend the rights and dignity of all people. It is on this very same foundation of our faith, by which we are emphatically reminded that we are all equally made in the image and likeness of God, that we advocate for the unborn, for those facing the injustice of racism, for those confronting a terminal illness who feel compelled to choose assisted suicide, and for so many others who all too often are excluded, marginalized, or are in any other way disenfranchised. Sadly, this respect for life seems to be lessening in our society.

We cannot be indifferent to their pain and suffering. We must strive to see more clearly the face of God in each of our brothers and sisters, regardless of their origin, race, religion, vulnerability, or past choices.

Please know of my love and concern for all of God’s people, especially those suffering from abuse. I ask that you please join me in praying for the women incarcerated in the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility, that they may feel the loving presence of God the Father, amidst their many challenges. Please also pray for those with authority over this correctional facility and others across the country, that they may see the face of God in those people whom they have been entrusted in caring for, and act accordingly by serving with a love that respects the dignity of each person.

May we each be reminded of our Father’s unconditional and unfailing love for us and, in turn, offer that same love, without condition and without exception, to all whom we encounter.
 
With renewed best wishes, I remain
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen