COMMENTARY
Mike Gustin from VOTF Westford-Chelmsford, MA recently
responded to a flurry of e-mails revolving around a
proposed rating system for bishops. Mike felt there
were better uses for our time and suggested the following:
I believe we should continue to do what we have been
doing:
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Support Survivors of Sexual Abuse
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Speak out in favor of due process for all priests
who have been accused, removed from ministry, and
remain in limbo awaiting a decision on their cases.
Some of these men have been in this position for over
a year!
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Praise bishops who approach the crimes and sins of
the era of clergy sexual abuse with honesty, compassion,
and justice and who implement the teachings of Vatican
II regarding the role of the laity in the Church.
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Expose the bishops who have abused children, transferred
child molesters, stonewalled investigators, refused
to answer questions and refused to provide the names
of known abusers that have been hidden by the Church.
Hold them accountable for their actions. Publicize
the facts. Carolyn Disco has done an outstanding job
of this in New Hampshire (www.nhvotf.org
). Protest in front of their cathedrals. Make sure
the media knows about them. Write letters to the editors.
Create and circulate petitions for their removal.
The Pope has said, "There is no place in our Church
for anyone who would harm a child."
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Encourage priests of good conscience to speak out
for justice.
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Encourage law enforcement to investigate bishops'
and priests' activities, where appropriate.
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Write letters to your legislators in support of changes
in laws that ease/eliminate the statute of limitations
for sex crimes.
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Work with your local pastor to bring about change
from within. Start a parish Safety Committee. Join
the Parish Council or Finance Committee. Teach religious
education. Become a Eucharistic Minister. Develop
a lesson plan on Vatican II that can be used by Religious
Ed teachers in your parish.
I'm sure most of you are already doing many of these
things. I just think this kind of work is much more
useful than rating bishops. That's just my two cents
worth - your mileage may vary.
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