Voice of the Faithful Bears Witness:
U.S. Bishops' Conference, St. Louis, June 19th - 21^st

VOTF has committed itself to engage our bishops in dialogue while holding them accountable. We are here in St. Louis to do both.

We are here in St. Louis to reach out to our bishops and let them know we understand that they are afraid of change, but that they need not be afraid of faithful laity who love their Church.

We are here in St. Louis to reach out to our brothers and sisters in the pews and encourage them to shed apathy and join our mission.

We are here in St. Louis to let all Catholics know we are a safe means by which to save our Church.

We are here in St. Louis to relate the VOTF experience to everyone concerned about the welfare and state of our Church.

We are here in St. Louis to call for full release of all personnel records of credible accusations against priests in all dioceses, and for the National Review Board to ensure that this happens.

We are here in St. Louis to call for full release of all reports – interim and final – issued by the National Review Board and the Office of Child and Youth Protection, including that of OCYP head Kathleen McChesney to be made to bishops at this conference.

We are here in St. Louis to call for social, moral, and spiritual justice for survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy.

We are here in St. Louis to call on the Vatican to take responsibility and pastoral action regarding any bishops who have lost moral authority in their dioceses.

We are here in St. Louis to call for bishops to apply the principle of “fraternal accountability” honestly and in good faith.

We do all this in order to build a stronger, more effective and healing Church for the survivors of clergy sexual abuse, for our parish priests, for ourselves, and – yes – for our bishops, too.