Lay Group Transitions From Volunteer-Led, Basement Meetings To Full-Time Staffed Corporation

Newton, Mass - August 1, 2002 - Voice of the Faithful (VOTF), an organization of over 23,000 lay Catholics formed in response to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, today announced the opening of its global headquarters. The establishment of its home office and the hiring of full-time staff members was made possible by donations collected at VOTF's first Lay Congress (Response of the Faithful) held on July 20th, and via several $10,000-plus contributors.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of people who want to support the mission and goals of VOTF. Many donors comment that our centrist position is the correct remedy to address structural changes needed in the Catholic Church, as evident by the clergy sexual abuse scandal. Additionally, the VOTF approach is needed to solve the larger issues that result from a clerical culture that has allowed the management of the Catholic Church to diverge from its gospel values. These donations are the best indicator that VOTF is here to stay," said Steve Krueger, VOTF's new interim executive director.

VOTF established a goal of securing $50,000 for operating expenses at its July 20th conference. The group surpassed the goal with the assistance of several large donations. Terry Meehan, speaking on behalf of the Meehan Family, a $100,000 donor, explains the importance of financially supporting the group. "VOTF is an organization that will nurture and foster lay involvement within the church at a very critical time in its 2000 year history. I want to be supportive of the laity's involvement in the church as called for by Vatican II. Family and spirituality are the most important assets within the church if these assets are not preserved our children and grandchildren will not carry on the Catholic faith."

Moving forward, VOTF will utilize the current donations to hire full-time staff members while building the technological infrastructure necessary for communicating its centrist and inclusive mission and goals to VOTF chapters around the world. This in turn will provide laity with new opportunities to engage in their faith and pursue the mission of the Church.

Currently, Tom White, VOTF's new development director, joins Mr. Krueger in launching the formal organization and transforming it from an all-volunteer movement to a professionally run enterprise.

For more information regarding Voice of the Faithful or how to make a financial contribution, please visit our Web site located at: www.votf.org.

About Voice of the Faithful
Voice of the Faithful is a Boston-based organization of concerned Catholics formed in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. The group's mission is to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. Its goals are to support victim/survivors of abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church. VOTF's supporting membership exceeds 23,000 registered individuals from more than 40 U.S. states and 21 countries.

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