In July 2002, the VOTF Representative Council created a working group to define what VOTF means by its Goal 3. This Structural Change Working Group (SCWG) initially consisted of nine faithful and active Catholics, young and old, male and female, from four states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. In July 2002, the SCWG began working to clarify church structures:
- As they are defined (e.g. in canon law, and by local statutes)
- As they actually function, and
- As they ought to be (to fulfill the vision of Vatican II)
The SCWG reviewed the documents of the Second Vatican Council, applicable canon law, and diocesan synod documents. The group also consulted with Fr. Ladislas Orsy, S.J., in an effort to ensure that our conclusions are sound, and that none of our statements could be misunderstood. Fr. Orsy was retained as a professional outside consultant in canon law and related matters by VOTF.
VOTF does not seek any change in church doctrine. Further, the problems which have come to light in the present crisis are more truly cultural than structural ones. This fact does not make the changes that we seek easier, but rather more difficult, because changing hearts and minds can be more of a challenge than changing rules, even in the Church.
The sex-abuse scandal has shown us flaws in the human institutional life of the church, and, as faithful members of the church, we have a right and a duty to work to correct them. This working paper represents the first steps in the process of developing recommendations for change in our church, not the last word.
We are pilgrims on a journey with no map to follow as we begin down the road, but we are trying to follow the advice of John Paul II in his letter, On the Threshold of a New Millennium, to “listen to what all the faithful say, because in every one of them the Spirit of God breathes”.
The group’s initial conclusions were presented to the VOTF Representative Council, and on September 26, 2002, the Council unanimously approved an initial working document on Structural Change. This first draft was put on the VOTF website, and provided to our membership and to the U. S. Bishops for comment.
A second draft of the working paper incorporating the comments that were received was presented to the Council at its meeting on January 23, 2003. It was unanimously approved by the Council at the meeting on February 22, 2003.
