VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL EXPRESSES ITS
DISAPPOINTMENT REGARDING VATICAN RESPONSE
TO U.S. CATHOLIC CHURCH'S SEXUAL ABUSE POLICY

Children Should Not Be Protected via a Statement from Rome — Real Protection Will Be Realized via Collaboration Among Bishops, Priests, Survivors and Laity

Oct. 18, 2002 — VOTF today expressed its deep regret regarding the Vatican's decision to reject the U.S. Roman Catholic Church's new sexual abuse policy. The "difficult to reconcile" church law provisions as stated by the Vatican should not obscure the fact that clergy sexual abuse is a crime that has brought shame and scandal to the Roman Catholic Church.

"American Catholics have looked to their bishops for pastoral leadership in a time of great crisis and scandal. It is deeply troubling that the Vatican has concluded that the judgment of those closest to the problem and to the 64 million members of the U.S. Catholic community is so severely flawed," said Jim Post, president, Voice of the Faithful.

Today's news now places the leadership role squarely upon the U.S. bishops — immediate action must be taken in conjunction with a proposed mixed commission considering policy revision.

"There is not a moment to lose. Children must be protected, and priests need a due and fair process. U.S. bishops as pastoral leaders need to provide strong leadership in order to bring all sides together — bishops, priests, survivors and laity — in an open and honest dialogue. This collaboration will serve to bring a swift conclusion to this Catholic sexual abuse crisis," Post added.