Contact: Jessica Lillie, PR Director, votfpr@votf.org, (781) 559-3360, (314) 749-5188 cell
For Immediate Release
NEW ENERGY AT VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL CONFERENCE
Sr. Joan Chittister and Fr. Tom Reese inspire VOTF members at LI conference
October 31, 2009-Melville, NY – Over 500 members of Voice of the Faithful were encouraged to see the good within in the institution of the Catholic Church. It was the message given by Father Tom Reese, one of the distinguished speakers at this year’s event held at the Huntington Hilton on Long Island. He also asked members to avail themselves of the social justice opportunities within Church, to be mindful of the importance of prayer and scripture reading, and recognize the importance of being welcoming community within their own parish.
The day began with Sr. Joan Chittister offering a new insight into the nature of leadership within the Church. She emphasized that power and leadership are not synonyms and that people should lead they way the wish to follow. Sr. Chittister said, “real reform brings people together, does not pit one group against one another,” a message taken to heart by the VOTF members in attendance.
Priest of Integrity Awards were given to Fr. Joseph Fowler of Louisville, a tireless advocate for victims rights in Kentucky, and Fr. Donald Cozzens, a noted author and a long-time advisor to Voice of the Faithful. Both priests were greeted with a hearty reception.
Jason Berry, an author and investigative journalist, received the St. Catherine of Siena Distinguished Lay Person award for his work in bringing the sexual abuse scandal to light and his persistent quest for justice for survivors.
VOTF members were also asked by Margaret Smith of John Jay College, a dedicated researcher on the “Causes and Context Study,” for their help in solving the mystery around the abuse crisis: how could such a moral lapse not have been recognized at the time? Ms. Smith also reported that the dimming number of clergy abuse reports were a positive sign of change.
President Dan Bartley said to the members, “I am encouraged by your support. We have so much work to do, especially with new Voices in Action campaign. Your presence here is a testament to your hard work and dedication”
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For more information about the VOTF ‘s conference please visit www.votf.org or email Jessica at votfpr@votf.org or call 781-552-3360.
Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) is a lay organization formed in 2002 in response to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. It started in the basement of a church in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and has since expanded worldwide with more than 150 Parish Voice affiliates and 30,000 members. The entire organization is committed to helping the Catholic Church.