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March 30, 2006

Statement on the USCCB Audit released March 30, 2006

The Linkup-Healing Alliance
Susan Archibald, President

As a third audit of the US dioceses was released today, we must question whether our dioceses are becoming more or less vigilant in preventing the sexual abuse of minors by priests, and in reaching out to those who have already been harmed.

Recent events in the dioceses of Chicago, Joliet, and Spokane indicate that the “check the box” approach of the current audit process fall short in determining whether policies successfully make the transition from words on paper to serious implementation.

The audit released today prompts us to question if church “compliance” goes far enough to ensure that much needed changes are in place.

Patricia Ewers, the Chair of the National Review Board spoke wisely: “It is time for the audit process to begin to focus on the quality of these programs.” And that sentiment was echoed by Office of Child and Youth Protection Director Teresa Kettelkamp in her call to “shift to examining effectiveness.”

How can this be accomplished? A necessary first step is to hold Church leaders accountable when policies are violated. Second, attention must be paid to the customers of these policies: victim/survivors and their families, and the laity that is served by the church. Only they can answer questions about the quality and effectiveness of these policies.

As time fades the intensity of Dallas and 2002, we once again look to our bishops for leadership. They face a choice between repeating the patterns of the past and demonstrating commitment and compassion by example. Let’s hope they make the right choice.

April 3, 2005

Statement on the death of Pope John Paul II

The Linkup, Survivors of Clergy Abuse

Susan Archibald, Director

502-241-5544

The recent passing of Pope John Paul II has brought sadness to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. One element of sadness comes with the recognition of all this Pope has accomplished in advocating for peace and compassion across the world. No Pope has reached and connected with so many people. His influence will remain for years to come, and his leadership will be missed.

Yet, along with this sadness over “what was” there is another level of sadness over “what could have been.” A leader’s ultimate challenges comes when corruption and abuse is discovered within one’s own organization. As the sexual abuse crisis unfolded, Pope John Paul II missed a precious opportunity to lead the world in addressing sexual abuse and providing compassionate response to those who have been harmed. Perhaps the issue was too close to home, or perhaps the Pope lacked the strength for the task in his later years.

In any case, what remains in these days after the Pope’s passing is a sense of gratitude for what he did give society, and a sense of hope that his successor will bring a new era of openness, integrity, and willingness to take the necessary steps to carry forward the mission of Christ through the Roman Catholic Church.

Change is coming, and there will be another opportunity to redirect the course of this crisis. We pray that an environment of dialogue and partnership will mark the next Papacy.

END

Linkup Statement on 2004 Audit

The USCCB release of 2004 Audit statistics reveals mixed levels of progress in the future protection of the young, and the healing of those already wounded.

Positive:
1. The fact that the audits occurred last year demonstrates bishops’ continued commitment to the process of openness. This is new territory for clerics who historically have felt entitled to keep the curtains drawn. As long as this commitment continues, so will incremental progress.

2. The systems of protection and prevention put into place are commendable. Never before has an institution taken bolder steps in the name of vulnerability. One must ask, however, if the vulnerability of the young or the vulnerability of assets was the motivating factor behind the effort?

Negative:

3. Enacting the “process” of openness differs greatly from integrating openness as a belief. The extent to which bishops believe that openness and accountability reflect church doctrine remains to be seen. Real progress will occur when church leaders see openness as a duty rather than a checklist imposed by an outside agency.

4. The true measure of a policy’s success is in its implementation and the ability to enforce. Many survivors feel the outreach mandated by the Charter is nothing more than a series of boxes for the dioceses to check. While the bishops continue to fund treatment centers and programs for offending priests, little effort has been made to provide those healing resources for survivors.

On the numbers:

It’s tempting to give a lot of attention to the numbers of priests and victims revealed in the audits. Of course the numbers continue to rise. A more effective approach may be to ask “how many is too many?” in the Roman Catholic Church? I think we answered that question a long time ago.

The keys to solving this crisis have always been there. They lie in the realm of ethics, responsibility, and what it means to serve God’s people. Perhaps this is the challenge, or the new “mission” of today’s Catholic Church.

Sue Archibald, President: "The number 4,450 rolled out today with complete surprise. Perhaps that's the best way to take bad news--or deliver it. No matter what the timing, the implications of 4,450 can't be diminished." Read full statement

Honey Weiss, Southern Coordinator: "Many months ago Bishop Wilton Gregory stated that the numbers compiled by the John Jay investigation, "will add to their sorrow," in reference to survivors Indeed, the numbers reported by CNN are cause for immense sorrow as we get the first glimpse of the report we have all awaited with great anticipation." Read full statement

Sue Archibald, President: As the results of this audit become known, analyzed, and debated, it's important to assess the results along with the endeavor itself. We feel the best element of the report comes with its recommendations. If implemented, they signal great improvements. At the same time, we must remember there is much work to be done. There remains a vast, silent community of victim/survivors whose wounds are deep and are in need of help. This is not just an issue of the present and future, but of the past. The pledge to heal and the pledge for accountability must remain in the forefront no matter when the abuses occurred or the victims came forward. Read full statement