Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) is encouraged by the decision of Pope Benedict to meet with five survivors of clergy sexual abuse. “This is a welcome first step,” said Dan Bartley, President of VOTF. “We hope that all the Bishops will make themselves available to survivors in their diocese, listen to their stories and treat them with the respect and compassion they deserve. We need to bring closure.”

“Meeting with a victim is a transformative experience and we hope that the Pope is transformed by it and now takes the additional steps needed to attain closure.  First hold accountable the Bishops who knowingly transferred abusive priests and demand their resignations.  Second insist that survivors be treated with justice and kindness rather than as litigants.  Finally address the underlying issues that caused the sexual abuse crisis in the first place: the culture of clerical secrecy and the lack of meaningful lay involvement in decision making.”

Voice of the Faithful applauds Pope Benedict and Cardinal O’Malley for arranging this symbolic meeting. We hope that Bishops all over the world will follow their example and then take appropriate actions.