VESTAL, N.Y. — It's a crisis that's been making headlines for 15 years. 

A recent grand jury report alleges more than 1,000 cases of sexual abuse in catholic churches across Pennsylvania. Nearly 300 priests are accused of committed criminal acts.

In response, churches held a mass of forgivenesss to offer sympathy to victims of abuse. Churches started taking preventative measures when reports of sexual abuse emerged in Boston more than a decade ago.

"41,000 have gone to various training programs so they could recognize signs of abuse, they've been background checked," said Syracuse Bishop Robert J. Cunnigham. 

Members of the church say the actions of individuals don't represent the church as a whole. 

"It's a difficult time in the church because of revelations that have been brought forward which obscure a lot of the good going on the church," said Father Michael Galluppi.

"I try to bring people to understand that it's not the church that sins it's human members of the church that sin," said Bishop Cunnigham.

Cunningham says those members, no matter how high in the church, must be held accountable for their actions.