Dear Friends,
The
results of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s
(USCCB) diocesan audits were released on March 30,
2006. The
findings are deeply disturbing
-- and we need your donations to support our work if
we are to put an end to this continuing crisis in our
Church.
What are the facts from this latest audit?:
- 993 new victims came forward in 2005 with credible allegations
involving 753 priests
- 66 dioceses had 15 or more accused priests and
in 22% of the cases either no action was taken
or the alleged
perpertrators were reprimanded and returned to
duty
- In all 114 dioceses, out of 191, had one or more
accused priest
- 27 alleged abusive priests are still in active
ministry
- 22 dioceses were not in full compliance for
safe environment training, background checks
or both
- The Archdiocese of Chicago was in full compliance
(via self-reporting), yet two credibly
accused priests remained
in active ministry despite earlier allegations
Incredible as this all sounds the situation
is likely worse since these data are largely
based
on second-hand
information with 104 of these audits being
self-reported. As William Gavin of the
Gavin Group, Inc. stated
in his letter of introduction to the findings: “As in
the past no personnel files were reviewed and the auditors
had to rely on the truthfulness and integrity of those
furnishing the information to reach conclusions and provide
statistical data for the audit.” Even the head
of the USCCB’s lay review board is calling for
changes. “The present audit process is insufficient,” stated
Patricia O’Donnell Ewers, head of the USCCB’s
National Review Board.
The audit records the cost of this crisis at $1.38 billion,
with $467 million spent in 2005 alone. Greater financial
accountability in our dioceses would have prevented secret
payments that enabled the clergy sexual abuse to continue
as long as it did.
Much
more work needs to be done to protect our children,
bring about greater financial accountability, and ensure
the clergy sexual abuse crisis never happens again. We
need your financial suppport to reach that goal. Please
give
online now.
VOTF’s Campaign for Accountability
is working to ensure that Church leaders understand
the long-term
commitment of Catholics like you; we must continue to
demonstrate that commitment. VOTF members are working
across the country to reform sexual abuse laws to ensure
justice for survivors. VOTF is also working at the parish
and diocesan levels to ensure financial transparency.
We
need your financial support to keep the spotlight
on reform. We need to maintain the pressure on our Church
leadership to listen, to learn with us, and to join us
in meaningful steps toward ending this crisis.
Last
month we sent out a letter (PDF)
asking our members to contribute to Voice of the Faithful.
If you’ve
already responded we thank you. If you haven't, we encourage
you to make an online
gift at this time.
We wish you many blessings during this Easter season.
Peace,
| Mary
PatFox
|
Ray
Joyce |
| President |
Executive
Director |
P.S. Please consider becoming a monthly donor when donating
online. VOTF relies solely on the contributions of its
members to support this movement of the Spirit.
|
