Boston –The release of the Ryan Report in Ireland highlights the need for accountability in the Church. The shocking abuse by clergy, religious, and lay people in Irish institutions detailed in the Ryan Report shows how denial and cover-up allowed abuse to fester.

Denial is now in retreat in Ireland. Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor has called for “examination and explanation,” regarding the abuse. Archbishop Diarmund Martin of Dublin and Cardinal Sean Brady, who urged compensation for the abuse victims, have echoed his call. Their words underscore the need for what Voice of the Faithful, including our Irish affiliate, continues to seek: transparency and accountability in the Catholic Church.

The time has come for bishops in all countries to heed such calls. Transparency and accountability are the paths we must follow to heal our Church.

There will be further evidence soon, when a companion report on abuse by diocesan priests is released, that failure to follow these paths led to a deep-rooted culture of abuse in Ireland. The courage that comes out of the Ryan Report must not falter. Promises of accountability, examination and compensation must be kept.

For more information about the VOTF or VOTF Ireland, please email Jessica at votfpr@votf.org or call 781-559-3360.  Please visit the VOTF Ireland website to view their press release on the Ryan Report.

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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.