BOSTON, Mass., Jul. 30, 2018 – As the Catholic clergy abuse scandal reaches a new level of intensity, particularly with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s (credibly accused) and Archbishop Philip Wilson’s (convicted) resignations, Voice of the Faithful, an organization of Catholics advocating for broader influence for lay voices in the Church, welcomes not only these actions, but also what they and other recent events mean for accountability and transparency in the future.
These two events follow a period that included in only a few months:
- Pope Francis’ removal of three Chilean bishops, allegations of cover-up being brought against two Chilean cardinals and an archbishop and an investigation of the entire Chilean Church;
- sentencing of a former Vatican diplomat to five years in prison for possession and distribution of child pornography;
- removal from office of the archbishop of Guam following “certain accusations” of abuse;
- a cardinal in Australia standing trial for covering up abuse;
- the Archdiocese of Mexico City partnering with the Survivors Network for Those Abused by Priests on child protection efforts;
- some Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis parishes helping to pay settlements to clergy abuse survivors; and
- the pending release by mid-August of a grand jury investigation of abuse in six Pennsylvania dioceses.
A critical mass seems to have been reached whereby the horror of the abuse has reached the hierarchy with increased accountability, while additional investigations and survivors’ stories are increasingly shining light into formerly secret abuse. The potential for a new level of transparency going forward is promising.
Voice of the Faithful and all who work for the Church can only hope.
Voice of the Faithful Statement, July 30, 2018
Contact: Nick Ingala, nickingala@votf.org, 781-559-3360
Voice of the Faithful®: Voice of the Faithful® is a worldwide movement of faithful Roman Catholics working to support survivors of clergy sexual abuse, support priests of integrity, and increase the laity’s role in the governance and guidance of the Church. More information is at www.votf.org.