Group fights for abuse survivors

THE OCT. 21 Globe contained a story in City & Region about survivors of clerical sexual abuse protesting the failure of Voice of the Faithful to live up to one of its goals: support for survivors of clerical sexual abuse. I was pictured in the article, standing with and in support of survivors, not as a protest against VOTF. As president of the Boston Area Council of VOTF, my presence is proof that the group has not abandoned survivors.

VOTF will continue to talk with survivors and Catholic bishops because it is clear that the clergy sexual abuse crisis is not over. While all the facts about the Providence situation are not known, around the country there are still numerous examples (Chicago, Los Angeles) of some bishops continuing to cover up by protecting predator priests instead of children and by doggedly resisting the release of all documents, even under court order.

We in VOTF will continue our efforts to promote justice for survivors as well as long-overdue administrative reforms in the church so that the Catholic Church will again be a reflection of Christ's Gospel message to love and serve others, no matter the cost.

ROBERT OTT
President
Boston Area Council of Voice of the Faithful
Newton