Contact: Suzanne Morse 617-680-2131, smorse@votf.org

For Immediate Release

Statement by Voice of the Faithful President James E. Post Regarding Fr. Tom Doyle’s Dismissal

Newton, Mass. – May 3, 2004 - The recent disclosure of Archbishop Edwin O’Brien’s efforts to discredit and remove Fr. Thomas Doyle from active service as a military chaplain on its surface appears to be simply another step in a long list of actions by Catholic bishops to suppress this incredibly principled individual who has fought against clergy sexual abuse and supported survivors for nearly 20 years.

Long before most Americans and most Catholics realized that clergy sexual abuse had infected the modern Catholic Church, Fr. Doyle was speaking out, raising the issues to the attention of Catholic bishops, and insisting that they take action. His words of warning were disregarded by most bishops, and he was banished from positions within the hierarchy.

By God’s grace, Fr. Doyle became a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force and found new ways to help others. To survivors of clergy sexual abuse, Tom has been a steadfast, tireless friend and advocate. His humble compassion and passionate pursuit for justice have exemplified his vocational calling to protect the weak.

On the basis of what has been reported in the media thus far, Archbishop O’Brien’s action to withdraw his endorsement from Fr. Doyle fails the test of pastoral responsibility, public credibility, and gives the appearance of a punitive action. All Catholics are entitled to a detailed explanation as to why Archbishop O’Brien has sought to silence Fr. Doyle, an individual who should be publicly thanked for helping the Church to recognize and respond to the most tragic scandal in its modern history.

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About Voice of the Faithful: Voice of the Faithful (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 victim/survivors of abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church in full accordance and harmony with Church teaching. VOTF’s supporting membership exceeds 30,000 registered persons from 50 U.S. states, 38 countries and 197 Parish Voice affiliates throughout the world.