December 2, 2005

Dear Friends,

I am writing to announce my decision not to seek reelection as president of Voice of the Faithful. It has been a privilege to serve as president of VOTF and to work with so many committed Catholics on issues of importance to the survivors of abuse and to the future of the Catholic Church.

When I became president of VOTF in 2002, I anticipated a short term, perhaps one year. But many events led to several reelections, and while I am deeply grateful for your support, it is now time to encourage others to assume leadership roles in VOTF.

Leadership transition is a vital process in every volunteer organization, and it is a process for which we are prepared in VOTF. In May 2005, we reorganized our executive leadership and named Ray Joyce to serve as executive director. Ray's talent and professionalism are blessings for VOTF. Our new president will also have the opportunity to work with a terrific national office team. In July 2005, at our national Convocation, we brought a long process of governance change to fruition in the form of a National Representative Council whose members truly come from all corners of the United States and can shape a genuine "national voice" for Voice of the Faithful. Rounding out the leadership changes of the past year was the naming of David Castaldi as chairman of VOTF's board of trustees. David's dedication to VOTF and the Catholic Church are entwined with his impressive leadership experience and skill.

With these people in place, VOTF has sound executive leadership, representative voices, and an experienced board of trustees. VOTF needs a new president who will work with these resources to address the challenges the Catholic laity face in these times. Four years ago, VOTF barely existed. In 2006, it can become an even more effective voice for integrity and reform in the Catholic Church.

In closing, I wish to thank the officers who have served with me over the past three years. Kristine Ward has served two terms (2004, 2005) as vice president and has been an invaluable colleague and partner in leadership. Kris has traveled on behalf of VOTF, and spoken at rallies in Washington, Chicago, and Denver as well as co-chairing the VOTF affiliate in Dayton, Ohio. Julie Rafferty has served as treasurer in 2005, and led a development (fundraising) committee that has helped VOTF raise nearly $2 million in the past three years. Our progress in managing the budget and improving our fundraising efforts owes much to Julie's leadership. Gaile Pohlhaus, a theologian by training, has served as secretary and helped organize, catalogue, and systematize the records of VOTF meetings, deliberations, and decisions. As more scholars study VOTF, the importance of a documented historical record will grow in importance.

Among the past officers to whom I am also grateful are Scott Fraser (treasurer, 2002-2003); Bill Cadigan (vice president, 2002); Ann Carroll (vice president, 2003; treasurer, 2004); Cathy Fallon (secretary, 2002, 2003); and Sr. Betsy Conway, S.J., (secretary, 2004). Each of these individuals has given freely of their valuable time and enormous talent, and I hope you will join me in giving thanks for their contributions.

Two sayings have meant a great deal to me over the past four years. One is from Gandhi, the other from St. Francis. Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." As we have learned the magnitude of the clergy sexual abuse crisis, and the root cause in a clerical culture that resists change, we have learned the power of witness, truth-telling, and refusing to be cowed by hierarchical figures whose credibility has crumbled in the face of truth. We must become the Catholic laity that no longer "pays, prays, and obeys," that insists on accountability, and proves that "thinking Catholic" is not an oxymoron.

We have also learned that change will not come quickly or easily. Our priests are often fearful of change, and bishops are too often resistant to the changes needed in our Church. This can be disheartening at times. But when St. Francis faced intransigence several centuries ago, he offered these words to motivate the frustrated: "Start by doing what is necessary. Then, do what is possible. And, suddenly, you are doing the impossible."

We, too, have done the "necessary," the "possible," and the "impossible." Four years ago, few would have imagined that an authentic Catholic lay movement could be formed, grow into a national and international network of members, and help introduce the ideas of "voice," "transparency," and "accountability" to the Catholic Church. Yet that is what we have done. Our efforts, coupled with those of thousands of other caring, committed Catholics, have made a difference as we have worked to "keep the faith, and change the Church."

I know our efforts will continue to do so in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

Jim Post
President
Voice of the Faithful

P.S. I hope you will consider nominating persons to serve VOTF as officers. We have many exceptional and talented people in VOTF. We need to ask them to share their leadership talents to advance the mission of VOTF. Nominations will be accepted through December 15, 2005, 9:00 P.M. If you have any questions please email nominations@votf.org