Contact: John Moynihan, jmoynihan@votf.org ,(617) 680-2131

For Immediate Release

VOTF Protests Bishop Gumbleton Dismissal

January 29, 2007- Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) protests the removal from St. Leo’s parish of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton by Cardinal ADAM Maida and the Archdiocese of Detroit. “The shortage of priests in our Church is already challenging the needs of American Catholics. To remove a priest in good standing, a priest who is willing and eager to continue to minister in his parish, seems, at best, counterproductive. There are hundreds of priests in their late 70s and 80s who continue to serve in parishes because they know there is no one available to take their place. If the voice of the laity was not a factor in Bishop Gumbleton’s removal, it is time that it should be,” said Mary Pat Fox, President of VOTF.

In his final Mass with his parishioners at St. Leo’s parish in Detroit, Bishop Gumbleton, 77, stated that his dismissal was in retaliation for his lobbying efforts on behalf of the victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy. (Last year Bishop Gumbleton testified before the Ohio legislature on behalf of a bill extending the Statute of Limitations for sex abuse crimes. At the same time he revealed that he had been a victim of clergy abuse while a young seminarian.) Bishop Gumbleton has been a courageous spokesperson for greater accountability in Church affairs and an unfailing advocate for world peace. His ministry has progressed a vision of “communio” from the parish to the global arena.

“ There is no reason to doubt the veracity of a man who has been speaking out for justice throughout his ministry,” said Fox. “To remain silent on this issue would be to give consent; Voice of the Faithful does not consent to the shoddy treatment accorded Bishop Thomas Gumbleton.”

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Voice of the Faithful was formed in Boston in 2002 in response to the clergy sexual abuse scandal and now has over 35,000 members from all 50 states and 37 foreign countries. For more information contact: John Moynihan, (617) 558 5252, jmoynihan@votf.org