VOTF AFFILIATE Notes

Thanks to Francis Piderit in VOTF New York, we now have a version of the New York Times ad that you may use for recruiting purposes and for advertising meetings in your own regions. There are two differences between this ad and the one in the New York Times: the coupon and the size. For details, click here.

INTRODUCING Bishop Geoffrey Robinson

Bishop Robinson U.S. tour will begin later this month. For readers who might have missed Vineyard and other media coverage, the following was assembled by VOTF National to bring you up to speed. The bishop will be speaking at several VOTF affiliates (in NJ, CT, NY and elsewhere) so be sure to contact your affiliate for information. The bishop was abused as a boy, although not by a priest. Like US bishop Gumbleton, his voice has resonated throughout the Church for his unique witness on behalf of survivors.

1. Bishop Geoffrey Robinson, who has degrees in philosophy, theology, and church law, was Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Sydney from 1984 until his retirement in 2004. In1994 he was elected by the Australian Bishops to the National Committee for professional Standards, coordinating the response of the Catholic Church in Australia to revelations of sexual abuse. From 1997 until 2003 he was co-chair of this committee.
   
   
2. Confronting Power & Sex in the Catholic Church “recently published by one of Australia’s most respected bishops has ignited debate about its future and pushed the progressive majority of the Church back to prominence after years in the shadows.” The Tablet (UK)
   
   
3. “In language reminiscent of a court martial, he lays the charge of ‘failure to give leadership in a crisis’ squarely at the feet of Pope John Paul II: “I am convinced that if the Pope had spoken clearly at the beginning of the revelations, inviting victims to come forward so that the whole truth, however terrible, might be known and confronted, and firmly directing that all members of the Church should respond with openness, humility, honesty and compassion, consistently putting victims before the good name of the Church, the entire response of the Church would have been far better. With power go responsibilities. The Pope has many times claimed the power, and must accept the corresponding responsibilities.” The Tablet (UK)
   
   
4. Bishop Robinson believes the deepest sources of the abuse are embedded in the power structures of the Church, and he calls for a major corporate restructure, including a constitutional papacy: “Papal power has gone too far and there are quite inadequate limits on its exercise.” He says the College of Bishops has been marginalized and that in his time as an active bishop it was rarely asked its advice and never asked to vote, even on controversial matters. The Tablet (UK)
   
   
5. Robinson directly criticized both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI for Rome’s reluctance to take stronger action to tackle sexual abuse. Sydney Morning Herald (AU)
   
   
6. His book tour will include speaking engagements in Philadelphia, Washington, Morristown NJ, Long Island NY, Fairfield CT, Dedham MA, Boston MA, Cleveland OH, Seattle WA, Orange County CA, Encino CA (LA area)

VOTF Orange County Meets with Diocesan Chancellor

On April 16, 2008, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange hosted a lunch with members of Voice of the Faithful Orange County. VOTFOC had sent a letter of introduction to Bishop Tod Brown, announcing the formation of the group and describing its purpose and goals.  His response identified a number of boards, councils and commissions by which he is attempting to increase lay participation in the life of the Diocese.  VOTFOC then requested that he designate a representative with whom VOTFOC could meet to introduce itself in more detail and to learn more about these various boards, councils and commissions. 

Shirl Giacomi, the Chancellor of the Diocese (the #2 officer of the Diocese and a laywoman), promptly called to schedule her meeting with VOTFOC. She also responded faithfully to VOTFOC’s requests for whatever bylaws, guidelines, policies, etc. existed for these groups and for lists of the members of these groups. VOTFOC reviewed this information ahead of time to be better prepared for the meeting. Ms Giacomi also invited another Diocesan representative (a laywoman) to join in the meeting. 

The two-hour meeting included an introduction to VOTF and VOTFOC and outlined the overall VOTFOC philosophy and strategy. This included a restatement of the three national VOTF goals and particular focus on the VOTFOC goal which is:

• Advance meaningful lay consultation and guardianship of major personnel, administrative and financial decisions in the Diocese of Orange.

VOTFOC found the meeting to be a very promising and positive first step. The affiliate hopes further progress will follow.