VOTF STATEMENT ON SURVIVOR SETTLEMENT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON

By Jim Post, President
December 23, 2003

With checks being issued this week to over 550 survivors in the Archdiocese of Boston, it is important to reflect on the state of survivor justice in this Archdiocese. Much has been accomplished, and we are grateful for the peace of mind that some survivors can take from this resolution.

However, as survivors have told us, money alone cannot heal hearts and minds broken by past abuse. And serious issues remain unresolved: for instance, the matter of lifelong counseling for survivors remains unsettled; survivors not involved in the settlement have yet to find their justice; and the fate of priests who will not face charges as a result of this settlement is still ambiguous. Voice of the Faithful reaffirms our commitment to full, fair, and lifelong justice for every survivor ever abused by Catholic clergy, including the resolution of these issues to survivors’ satisfaction.

The youngest abuse victims are now in their teens and will live for another seven or eight decades. Thus, the consequences of the clergy sexual abuse scandal will be a living theme in the American Catholic Church throughout the 21st century. Catholic clergy, laity, and hierarchy must face this reality compassionately, honestly, and directly. This settlement is only the beginning of our long collective journey towards true justice and healing for every survivor.