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  Reaction to the Pope's Meeting with Victims

By Michael Paulson
Boston Globe
April 17, 2008

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/papalvisit/

Reaction to the pope's meeting with abuse victims from Boston is starting to come in. Here are some samples:

"This is a small, long-overdue step forward on a very long road. We're confident the meeting was meaningful for the participants and we're grateful that these victims have had the courage to come forward and speak up. But fundamentally it won't change things. Kids need action. Catholics deserve action. Action produces reform and reform, real reform, is sorely needed in the church hierarchy. Some talk is OK. A meeting is better. Decisive reform is crucial. We do vulnerable children a severe disservice if we set extraordinarily low expectations for a brilliant, experienced, powerful global leader like the pope. In the Gospel of Luke, we're told 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' The pope has been given the reins of a vast, wealthy, powerful global monarchy. He must use those reins to safeguard the vulnerable." Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach CA, southwestern regional director for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)

This is a welcome first step. 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. Dan Bartley, president, Voice of the Faithful

"I was not a victim but very much affected by the crisis. This goes a very long way to make up for Cardinal Law. Kudos to Cardinal OMalley for his efforts." Carolyn E. Stys, a former Milton resident now living in Virginia

"The pope has been hiding this abuse issue for 20 + years as it was his job to do so before he became pope. The only reason he is meeting with a few hand picked victims is because Catholics are sick and tired and have stopped giving to the church. Please don't fool yourself into thinking this is anymore than a PR move as that is all that it is! This is by far not over in my eyes. I hope I'm wrong." Paul Livingston, San Diego

 
 

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