July 21, 2006

Bishop William S. Skylstad
Office of the President
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E.
Washington DC, 20017-1194

Dear Bishop Skylstad:

As members of Voice of the Faithful, we are deeply concerned by what was missing from the deliberations of the most recent meeting of our Church's leadership in Los Angeles, especially while our Church is living through its greatest scandal in 500 years. We question why, based on the meeting agenda made available to the public (see attached), the USCCB does not appear concerned with ensuring that the Charter to Protect Children and Young People is fully understood by all bishops and implemented consistently across the country. The credibility of Church leadership is already suspect and there is so much work which still needs to be done to resolve the ongoing scandal of clergy sex abuse.

It may not be your intention but at this time, in this place, it looks as if there is little concern about the continuing crisis when it is not a key agenda item at the bishops’ semi-annual meeting. With the recent events in Santa Rosa and Chicago it is apparent that the Charter is not being fully and consistently implemented. Meanwhile the sexual abuse of children continues to happen in our Church. The Church leadership’s credibility in shaping public opinion on important social issues will remain damaged until we take a leadership position on leading solutions against a great sin in our society–the abuse of children, not just in our Church but everywhere. As you know, some bishops are actually fighting reforms to state sexual abuse laws. Such actions suggest greater concern for money than for the survivors of abuse. It also sends a powerful message of insensitivity.

We need and would appreciate an explanation as to why you would not dedicate a certain amount of time at your meeting to, at the minimum, provide an update on this grave issue within our Church.

Sincerely,

Mary Pat Fox
President, Voice of the Faithful