Contact: John Moynihan, jmoynihan@votf.org, (617) 558-5252, (617) 680-2131 cell

For Immediate release

Remarks of Daniel Bartley, President of Voice of the Faithful, on the presentation of the organization’s “Priest of Integrity” Award,

May 22, 2008, Manhasset NY

It is my great honor and privilege to present Bishop Robinson with the Voice of the Faithful Priest of Integrity award.

You should know that you are a tremendous source of encouragement to those who are working so hard, such as those present here this evening, to heal and transform our beloved church.

 After reading your book and again after listing to you this evening I realized that any words I say would pale in comparison to the wisdom you have so courageously offered.

 For example, you have said:

• It is necessary to confront rather than manage the causes of abuse--with openness, humility, honesty and compassion – so that it doesn't happen again.
• We are all imperfect members of an imperfect church....but – dedicated to promoting a better church, a church that is not contrary to the mind of Jesus Christ.
• We need to be a healthy people in a healthy relationship to a healthy God which entails a constant search and openness to the truth.
• We are all on this journey together.
• If the Catholic Church is to regain some credibility after the many scandals of sexual abuse, it must first learn to speak with humility, intelligence, realism and compassion about all aspects of human sexuality

And finally Bishop Robinson, you remind us all: The most fundamental change of heart and mind required of us is that of a constant return to the Great Tradition, the person and story of Jesus Christ.”

With that, Bishop Robinson, I am honored to present you with our award, which reads:

“Voice of the Faithful honors Bishop Geoffrey Robinson for his compassion, pastoral leadership, and courage in responding to the sexual abuse crisis and confronting its causes at a time when more than ever there is a need for such witness from a member of the hierarchy.”

Courage indeed!

Thank you 

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Press contact

John Moynihan (617) 558-5252, (617) 680 2131 ©

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.