We Support Survivors!         (Goal #1)
 

   In this time of crisis and betrayal, all Catholics are in pain. But none are feeling this pain more acutely than the survivors of clergy sexual abuse themselves. Survivors have told Voice of the Faithful that this is a time when it is utterly important to be present for survivors; to listen; to raise awareness; and to provide a safe forum for survivors to tell their stories and express their feelings publicly as a first step to truth, reconciliation and healing. We are supporting survivors through listening sessions, healing masses, prayer, fund-raising, monitoring of bishops, self-education and public witness. Voice of the Faithful supports victim/survivors within the parameters of a healthy relationship with our Catholicism and the primacy of own consciences.

We Support Priests of Integrity   (Goal #2)
 

   As we all know, the overwhelming majority of Catholic priests are faithful to their vocation and vows, living lives of genuine holiness and service. Faithful priests are currently suffering personal pain and public humiliation from the heinous acts of their offending brother priests and their own superiors. Voice of the Faithful is building bridges to these priests — who in many cases are our pastors, our confidants, our teachers, and our friends. We are reaching out to priests both as individuals and through their own budding organizations, which are struggling to find their voice. We pray that our vocal support for priests of integrity — who are frequently oppressed, silenced and intimidated — will help them ultimately to stand in their truth and "be not afraid."
 

We Support Structural Change
Within the Catholic Church!     (Goal #3)
 

   The wise and eloquent documents of Vatican II provide a very clear mandate for the laity's right — and, indeed, responsibility — to become active in the guidance of the Church as "the people of God."

   In addition, simple morality cries out for the laity to become involved, to right the grievous wrong that has afflicted our Church. The hierarchy that failed to protect our children cannot be trusted to continue exercising unchecked control over the persons, property, money and fate of our church. VOTF believes that baptized Catholics must, as a matter of conscience, assert our right and responsibility to participate in the decision-making processes of the whole Catholic Church.

What does Voice of the Faithful feel will be the effect of bringing laity into the governance structure of the Church?

   The Church hierarchy can learn much from the Catholic laity. We have intellectual, emotional and spiritual contributions to make and knowledge to impart on myriad real-life issues. These include, but are not limited to: human sexuality, women's rights, democratic processes, and the contextual roles of science and history in the healthy life of the Church.