Contact: John Moynihan, jmoynihan@votf.org ,(617) 680-2131

For Immediate Release

VOTF Praises Boston Financial Report

April 25, 2007 - Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) is heartened to see that the Archdiocese of Boston has continued in its commitment to greater financial transparency. We encourage other dioceses and parishes around the United States to follow their example.

“The improved financial condition of the Archdiocese of Boston demonstrates that accountability and transparency are just good business practices”, said Mary Pat Fox, VOTF President. “We call on bishops and priests across the country to follow the leadership of Cardinal O’Malley. A recent study has shone that 85% of the participating dioceses in the country have suffered from some sort of embezzlement in the past five years. Improved accounting practices and transparency with its members is the antidote to this systemic disease. Such transparency at both the diocesan and parish level would help restore the confidence of a badly shaken laity.”

Voice of the Faithful continues to be distressed by the unfunded liability of the Clergy Benefit Trust. We hope that the Archdiocese of Boston will make this a top priority. Our loyal priests deserve a dignified and worry free retirement.

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About Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) VOTF is a worldwide movement of concerned mainstream 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 survivors of clergy sexual abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church in full accordance and harmony with Church teaching.