February 10, 2006

Dr. Patricia Ewers
Chairperson
National Review Board
c/o USCCB
Office of Child and Youth Protection
3211 Fourth Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20017


Dear Dr. Ewers:

I am writing in reference to the National Review Board's meeting next week in Austin, Texas. There is an urgent need for the Board to address the situation in the Archdiocese of Chicago where Cardinal Francis George has acknowledged his failure to remove Fr. Daniel McCormack from service after allegations of sexual abuse were filed.

Regrettably, Cardinal George's apology, while necessary and appropriate, is not sufficient. His conduct violated the letter and spirit of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. What meaning does such a document have, if it is ignored by church leaders who are intimately familiar with every word and phrase of the document? Cardinal George's participation in the Vatican review of the Norms provided an in-depth opportunity to examine and explore the nuances and subtleties of the documents. That is why we cannot accept the claim that this was an "innocent mistake" by a bishop. It was not.

Fraternal correction means nothing if bishops will not take action to discipline one another. The National Review Board is the Catholic laity's means to express its profound and deep concern for what has happened in Chicago, and to share that distress --through the NRB--with the current leaders of the USCCB.

We urge you to do so in the strongest and most compelling language.

I have often spoken in support of the work of the National Review Board and the integrity of its members. You are stewards for the interests of the Catholic laity in matters related to the protection of children and young people.

Please do not let this issue pass with a tepid response. You know how serious the situation in Chicago is, and how important the Charter is as a symbol of our Church's commitment to justice for survivors and the protection of future generations. Please do not let the integrity of four years of dedicated service by thousands of Catholics to address the terrible tragedy of clergy sexual abuse be lost.

This is a moment for strong, principled action. I urge you to take that action at your meeting this week.

Sincerely,

James E. Post
President

cc: National Review Board Members