VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL'S BROOKLYN
AND QUEENS AFFILIATE CONCLUDE FIRST
MEETING WITH DIOCESE OF BROOKLYN

Brooklyn, NY, January 20, 2003 -- Voice of the Faithful (VOTF), today announced that members from its Brooklyn and Queens VOTF Affiliate concluded a 5-hour meeting with representatives of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Issues discussed at the first meeting entailed: clarifying misinformation about the group; explaining VOTF's structural change goal and addressing Bishop Daily's October 25th edict banning VOTF from meeting on diocesan property.

VOTF Affiliate members categorized the first meeting as a respectful dialogue where common ground was discovered.

"We prayed, broke bread together, and had a very full, honest and warm discussion," said Dr. Vera Powers, of Rockaway Beach, Queens. "We found a lot of common ground in our concern for victims as well as for priests of integrity and the need for more active participation of the laity. Everyone in attendance also shared great pain over the events of the past year."

"Edward N. Wilson, a Brooklyn attorney and VOTF member added, "Most importantly, we had an opportunity to clarify that VOTF is not a dissident group, and does not advocate any change in church teaching. We also answered questions about the meaning of VOTF's third goal of shaping structural change within the church we now believe that the Diocese of Brooklyn has a much better understanding of us."

"Bishop Catanello and others on the committee informed VOTF members they would convey today's information to Bishop Daily on January 29th, and they anticipate further dialogue with VOTF regarding the banning. Members of VOTF viewed Bishop Catanello's statements as positive sign.

"We feel that today's meeting was a good first step toward reversing the ban," Wilson noted. "The ban is a rejection of lay participation and an affront to all Catholics struggling to respond to the biggest crisis in our church since The Reformation. But, today we had a very respectful conversation. VOTF communicated our good intentions toward survivors of clergy sexual abuse, priests of integrity and that we have strong faith at heart I am very hopeful."

VOTF Leaders from Brooklyn and Queens Attending:

• Joan Briody, St. Francis de Sales, founding member of Rockaway Beach VOTF
• Melissa Gradel, St. Boniface, member of Brooklyn VOTF Organizing Committee and VOTF Regional Coordinator for Diocese of Brooklyn
• Vincent Joseph, St. Boniface, member of Brooklyn VOTF Organizing Committee
• Mary Kiernan, St. Rose of Lima, founding member of Rockaway Beach VOTF
• Vera Powers, St. Francis de Sales, founding member of Rockaway Beach VOTF
• Edward N. Wilson, St. Boniface, member of Brooklyn VOTF Organizing Committee

Diocesan Committee Members Attending:

• Bishop Ignatius Catanello, Auxiliary Bishop for Queens South
• Msg. John Brown, Director of Personnel
• Sr. Maryann Seton Lopiccolo, SC, Episcopal Delegate for Religious
• Msg. John Antoncic, Pastor, St. Mel's, Flatbush, and Chair of Presbyteral Council
• Mildred Shanley, retired attorney for Brooklyn Catholic Charities

Background:

Despite Bishop Daily’s ban, VOTF Affiliates have begun to form in Brooklyn and Queens, with an estimated 200-plus membership from 25 parishes to date. The Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, is one of nation’s largest dioceses and home to 1.8 million Catholics. The banning of Catholics from church property in Brooklyn, NY, Long Island, NY, Portland ME, Bridgeport, CT, Newark, NJ, Camden, NJ, Baker, OR, and Boston, MA is divisive and an affront to Catholics everywhere.

###