Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The most recent allegations contained in the testimony of the former nuncio of the Holy See to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, released on Saturday have left many in the Church in this country and abroad with serious concerns and questions. I share those same questions and concerns. As your bishop charged with the governance of the Diocese of Wichita, I wish to make the following response.

I have spoken to Archbishop Vigano on only two previous occasions, the first being the day it was announced to me that I had been appointed by Pope Francis as the eleventh bishop of the Diocese of Wichita and then again on my ordination day on May 1, 2014 which Archbishop Vigano graciously attended. In these conversations, I found Archbishop Vigano to be most kind and amiable. In the brief time that my service here as bishop and his service as papal nuncio coincided, I always thought highly of his leadership and regarded him as someone whom the Church could be proud of in her service. However, I am unable to personally speak to any of the allegations he makes as a matter of conscience against certain individuals including Pope Francis regarding the current crisis we face in the Church today.

Therefore, I join with others in expressing my hope and expectation that a full, independent and transparent investigation be conducted in this matter so as to bring forth the truth. The allegations of such a respected bishop in the Church and one charged with such great responsibility as the papal nuncio to the United States demands such an investigation.

It is my prayer that such an investigation will ultimately bring peace to our troubled Church and restore confidence to the people of God.

Bishop Carl A. Kemme