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

For Immediate Release

Voice of the Faithful Questions Bishop Brom’s Motivations

March 1, 2007 - On Tuesday at midnight the San Diego Diocese declared bankruptcy in an attempt to avoid going to trial on 152 cases of clerical sex abuse which were scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning. The reason for filing has been explained as a possible threat to the financial stability of the diocese and their ability to continue pastoral programs and good works. It should be noted that Catholic Charities which is the vehicle through which most of the good works are accomplished is approximately 80% funded through grants from the Federal Government not assets of the diocese. Insurance is in place to cover much of the cost. And then there are the real estate assets. It is interesting that when convenient the churches are owned by the parish or the diocese – depending on what financial solution is desired.

So if the reason really isn’t financial stability what is the real reason why the diocese is filing bankruptcy? What did the discovery process that leads up to trails such as these uncover that if brought into the light for all to see would be more damaging than a declaration of bankruptcy? Are there some people whose testimony if heard would implicate people that the Bishop is choosing to protect? Bishop Brom says they will release the names of all of those credibly accused however we must all realize that to be credibly accused the crime must not have been covered up by the diocese. The declaration of bankruptcy is a tactic that is being used by bishops across the country to avoid opening the files, showing the evidence that was collected and not acted upon, and revealing the intentional cover-up of crimes committed against children.

Voice of the Faithful calls for Bishop Brom and all of the bishops to stop these tactics which continue to hide the truth and stand in the way of victims of clergy sexual abuse from getting the support they need to begin their healing process.

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About Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) VOTF is a worldwide movement of concerned mainstream Catholics formed in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. The group’s mission is to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. Its goals are to support survivors of clergy sexual abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church in full accordance and harmony with Church teaching. VOTF has over 35,000 members in all 50 States and 37 foreign countries.