When
Talking the Talk is not enough
by Carolyn Disco, VOTF NH Survivor Support chair
“The impact of prayer
services and healing masses in helping survivors was questioned by SNAP’s
David Clohessy (“Thanks, but no, thanks” – June 2005 Vineyard) but
endorsed by VOTF-Maine’s Doris Buonomo (“Dialogue as Prelude to Action” – Sept.
8 Vineyard).
Clohessy’s point was that
such efforts become empty symbols if substantive actions by bishops to alleviate
suffering and prevent abuse are absent: release of the names of credibly-accused
priests, release of documents so the truth may be known, access to parish
bulletins for outreach to possible victims, and reform of archaic statutes
of limitations laws that both prevent criminal prosecution of abusers and
deny survivors the ability to pursue justice and healing through the courts.
Buonomo’s point was that
Maine’s experience with prayerful liturgies was positive; that they helped
survivors come forward, offered them opportunities for meaningful participation
in planning the prayers, and became healing moments for those in attendance.
No doubt others have found the same meaningful outcome.
My point is that Buonomo
avoided the thrust of Clohessy’s objections by failing to address one simple
fact: that despite countless healing masses and apologies, the substantive
record of bishops in healing the wounded and safeguarding the vulnerable
is sorely lacking. Talking the talk is not enough when bishops still fight
tooth and nail to keep documents secret (Los Angeles), engage in legal hardball
like deposing wives and former girlfriends about the sex lives of survivors
(Spokane), vigorously oppose statute of limitations reform (Ohio), and endanger
children by refusing to release all the names of proven, admitted or credibly-accused
abusive clerics. Only about a half dozen dioceses have identified them, when
all need to do so. And the settlements that were reached would never have
been possible without pressure from the courts and the media.
I agree with Buonomo that
prayer is vital and, by the grace of God, that healing masses can indeed
be healing. But Clohessy’s plea for action is compelling. James 2:14 tells
us that faith without works is useless. I understand why survivors are tired
of the Word being betrayed by actions they endure as negating or compromising
its intent.
Even in Maine where Buonomo
lives, Bishop Richard Malone and his predecessor dragged survivor Michael
Fortin through years of agonizing legal battles before settling the case
in such a way that the documents will never be released. The diocese spent
tens of thousands of parishioners’ contributions in an effort to keep itself
immune from liability, but the state’s highest court mercifully ruled otherwise.
There was nothing preventing that exact same settlement with Fortin years
earlier - if the primary impetus had been truly pastoral. Another survivor
courageously came forward this year in the press and not one priest (or bishop)
in Maine contacted her to offer support or comfort. So, it is understandable
how SNAP and others view the hierarchy's proclaimed ‘outreach’ as highly
selective and therefore questionable.
I commend the Maine Council’s
efforts to dialogue as a preview to action, with collaborative prayer as
the instrument. The liturgies they have developed are a valuable resource.
But action by bishops on the measures survivors indicate they most seek is
also required. The former without the latter rings hollow. I propose that
VOTF’s survivor support initiatives must include both approaches – prayer
and action – if the healing and reconciliation for which we all yearn is
to find expression.
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