VOTF CONCLUDES FIRST MEETING
WITH BISHOP LENNON

Boston, Mass., March 11, 2003 – The President of Voice of the Faithful (VOTF), a group of over 25,000 mainstream lay Catholics formed in response to the Church’s clergy sexual abuse scandal, met for the first time today with Bishop Richard Lennon, apostolic administrator for the Archdiocese of Boston. VOTF’s President, Jim Post, conveyed the group’s concerns to the Bishop. These included lifting the ban prohibiting VOTF from meeting on Church property; resolving whether the Archdiocese will accept tens of thousands of dollars in charitable donations via the Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund; promoting unity among the laity; and providing greater support for those individuals suffering from clergy sexual abuse.

Commenting on the meeting held at the Bishop’s residence, Dr. Post said, “Our first meeting was cordial and constructive. We hope it forms the foundation for building a relationship between Voice of the Faithful and the Boston Archdiocese. VOTF wishes to be involved constructively in what will doubtless be a long healing process.”

No Decision on Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund

Dr. Post and Bishop Lennon discussed the disposition of the Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund, a charitable fund rejected by Cardinal Bernard Law, but Bishop Lennon made no decision regarding accepting the Fund’s second quarter charitable gift totaling approximately $39,000 despite budget cuts to social services, Catholic school closings, and other evidence of financial distress in the Archdiocese. According to the Fund’s template administered and governed by the National Catholic Community Foundation (NCCF), the second quarter gift will be offered to Catholic Charities if the Archdiocese of Boston does not make a decision by March 31st.

Bannings Not Lifted

Bishop Lennon did not rescind the ban preventing VOTF groups from meeting on Church property in the Archdiocese of Boston. VOTF continues to believe that it is immoral and self-defeating for bishops to ban parishioners from using Church property that they paid for and helped to build.

VOTF-RCAB Dialogue to Continue

Both Dr. Post and Bishop Lennon agreed to continue their discussions, and agreed to resume meetings between Voice of the Faithful and Archdiocesan Vicar General Walter Edyvean.