The following statement was released by the Presbyteral Council of the Archdiocese of New York following their meeting of May 21, 2008. The Presbyteral Council represpresents the priests of the Archdiocese of New York. The majority of the Council members are elected by their fellow priests.

STATEMENT OF THE PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL OF THE ARCHDIOCESE:

"The Archbishop of New York, as Shepherd of this local Church, serves the needs of the people of the Archdiocese of New York. In that capacity, the Archbishop assigns priests based on the pastoral needs of the people of this Archdiocese, as well as the needs of the parishes and other institutions. We, the Priests Council of the Archdiocese, recognize our Archbishop’s authority to assign priests and support him as he faces unfair and anonymous attacks in the media. We have full confidence in Cardinal Egan’s leadership as he continues to serve with distinction the people who have been entrusted to his spiritual care."