Press Release For Immediate release

Contact: Jessica Lillie, votfpr@votf.org, 781-559-3360, 314-749-5188 cell

VOTF CALLS FOR A VATICAN INVESTIGATION OF BISHOPS

November 27, 2009

Dublin Report Sheds New Light on Bishops’ Actions

Details from the Dublin Archdiocese report are shocking, as once again the world’s Catholics learn about abuse, cover-up, and ongoing attempts
to prevent full disclosure. This time it is the bishops of Ireland whose deeds—and lack of accountability—are on display. As in other countries, Ireland’s bishops put the needs of the institution above the Church’s most vulnerable members: children. Children were exposed to predatory priests again and again because bishops in charge failed to remove sex abusers from our midst. Voice of the Faithful National and the Voice of the Faithful Ireland affiliate call for a global investigation by the Vatican into such actions.

The details from Dublin are terrifying, and yet they are also familiar. This is not the first time we hear that bishops knowingly transferred predator priests from parish to parish without warning parishioners. Nor is it the first time we hear of bishops attempting to cover up their actions. However, this is the first time we have learned of so many bishops involved in covering up a web of crimes. The Dublin inquiry reveals the involvement of at least 102 priests in the abuses and numerous bishops—including at least four archbishops—in the cover-ups.

“Enough is enough! We call upon the Vatican to investigate the actions of Catholic bishops around the globe. We know from experience that the behavior of the Dublin hierarchy is not an isolated incident,” says Voice of the Faithful President Dan Bartley. “We fear there are still many more such misdeeds worldwide. We cannot afford to sit back and wait. Those responsible for the harm done to the Catholic Church and through them to the wider society must be held accountable. We have waited too long for resolution to what has become a global Catholic nightmare. Bring the bishops to justice now.”

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	Press Release For Immediate release Contact: Jessica Lillie, votfpr@votf.org, 781-559-3360, 314-749-5188 cell VOTF CALLS FOR A VATICAN INVESTIGATION OF BISHOPS November 27, 2009 Dublin Report Sheds New Light on Bishops’ Actions Details from the Dublin Archdiocese report are shocking, as once again the world’s Catholics learn about abuse, cover-up, and ongoing attempts to prevent full disclosure. This time it is the bishops of Ireland whose deeds—and lack of accountability—are on display. As in other countries, Ireland’s bishops put the needs of the institution above the Church’s most vulnerable members: children. Children were exposed to predatory priests again and again because bishops in charge failed to remove sex abusers from our midst. Voice of the Faithful National and the Voice of the Faithful Ireland affiliate call for a global investigation by the Vatican into such actions. The details from Dublin are terrifying, and yet they are also familiar. This is not the first time we hear that bishops knowingly transferred predator priests from parish to parish without warning parishioners. Nor is it the first time we hear of bishops attempting to cover up their actions. However, this is the first time we have learned of so many bishops involved in covering up a web of crimes. The Dublin inquiry reveals the involvement of at least 102 priests in the abuses and numerous bishops—including at least four archbishops—in the cover-ups. “Enough is enough! We call upon the Vatican to investigate the actions of Catholic bishops around the globe. We know from experience that the behavior of the Dublin hierarchy is not an isolated incident,” says Voice of the Faithful President Dan Bartley. “We fear there are still many more such misdeeds worldwide. We cannot afford to sit back and wait. Those responsible for the harm done to the Catholic Church and through them to the wider society must be held accountable. We have waited too long for resolution to what has become a global Catholic nightmare. Bring the bishops to justice now.”	VOTF™ Mission Statement To provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. Our Goals To support survivors of clergy sexual abuse To support priests of integrity To shape structural change within the Catholic Church.

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