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National Representative Council Update
The National Representative Council is currently voting on the three resolutions
that were sent recently to all VOTF members by their respective Regional representatives.
Two of these resolutions concern management of financial resources by the Church
and the third proposes measures that would further protect children and reach
out to survivors of sexual abuse. These resolutions underwent extensive consultation and review
and the sponsors wanted all VOTF members to be aware of their appreciation
for the many comments which were made via the regional email discussions. [If
you did not receive these messages, please identify contact information for
your representative here.]
One example of a change which was made as a result of the consultation is evidenced
in the Survivor Support resolution. Concern was raised about the phrase “credibly
accused”, which now reads: “proven abusers, admitted abusers, and
those persons that the bishop, with the confidential consultative support of
a predominantly lay review
board, has suspended or dismissed from active ministry, employment, or volunteer
activities because sufficient credible evidence of sexual abuse exists.”
Once the polling closes on these three resolutions, the NRC will move into
voting on the newly revised Goal 2 Working Group Proposal on the “state
of the priesthood and its ability to meet the needs of the faithful.” This
resolution, too, has been rewritten in light of suggestions generated by consultation
with the grassroots membership. With the semi-annual meeting in Boston fast
approaching, the NRC is considering a slightly different sort of agenda, where
large blocks of time will be allocated to discussing some of the pressing issues:
a newly constituted resolution about the role of women in the church; the proposal
on how to balance local and national VOTF leadership; the establishment of
a Rapid Response Team for challenges that arise; and the possibility of organizing
a lay synod – we have lots of things to keep us busy!
Board of Trustees Update
At its February meeting, the Board of Trustees elected Bill Casey to serve
as chair. Bill was elected to membership on the Board of Trustees in 2006
and became chair of its strategic planning committee. Bill is a member from Region 4 where he served
as co-leader of the Northern Virginia affiliate.
At the meeting, the Board of Trustees also adopted the following resolution:
RESOLVED, "That the Board of Trustees of VOTF hereby expresses its appreciation
and
profound respect for the inspired leadership of David Castaldi who has served
the Catholic community as chairman of VOTF’s Board of Trustees from February
2005 to
January 2007. In his words and deeds, David has given meaning to the concept
of
servant leadership."
David Castaldi has been a trustee of VOTF since 2002 and was elected chair
of the board in February 2005, succeeding Dr. James Muller, a VOTF co-founder.
During David's tenure as chair, the board expanded in size, adopted a comprehensive
set of by-laws, and developed a unique tripartite governing structure including
the
board of trustees, nationally-elected officers, and a national representative
council of members from across the nation.
David will continue to serve as a trustee, and chair of the audit committee,
until the expiration of his term in June 2007.
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