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

For Immediate Release

Voice of the Faithful Calls for Bishops to Step Down From USCCB

Newton MA, March 10, 2006 - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stands in an embarrassing and unacceptable position. Both the president and vice president of the USCCB stand publicly accused of personally having failed to comply with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Adults. The Charter represents the official policy of America's Catholic bishops. The public credibility of the Charter, the accused bishops, and the entire Conference of Catholic Bishops is at stake. There is no mistaking the seriousness of this moment.

This situation requires immediate action by the USCCB to name an interim leader of unquestioned integrity and commitment to the Charter. The charges filed against Bishop Skylstad and Cardinal George are serious and must be investigated immediately and thoroughly by an independent review board that must make its findings public. While this investigation is pending, the USCCB needs the leadership of an interim president and vice president. The urgency of this action cannot be overstated.

James E. Post, president

Mary Pat Fox, president-elect

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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

For more information about Voice of the Faithful, visit www.votf.org