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No. VOTF accepts the teaching authority of our Church, including the traditional role of the bishops and the Pope.

2) What does the Pope say about child abuse?

Pope John Paul II condemned child abuse in the strongest terms, saying that "...there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young." LI VOTF agrees with Pope John Paul II that protecting our children is non-negotiable.

3) Doesn't VOTF take positions that are contrary to the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church?

Long Island VOTF does not challenge any church teaching. As stated in our official statement of beliefs: "We believe what the church believes." It is not our purpose to question church beliefs. (See www.votf-li.org/WhoWeAre.html )

4) Is VOTF out to undermine the authority of the Bishop and pastors?

No. LI VOTF supports the authority of the bishop and pastors. At the same time, we encourage all Catholics to fully participate in the life of our church as described in the documents of Vatican Council II. We believe that such participation would support, not undermine authority in the Church.

5) Why are people suspicious of VOTF?

We are unsure why some Catholics remain suspicious of LI VOTF. We know that certain publications and groups have circulated false information about the positions of VOTF. We believe that the dissemination of such information is immoral. We know that VOTF is an organization faithful to the Catholic Church. And we know that Rockville Centre is one of only five or six affiliates of the over 200+ U.S. VOTF affiliates whose Bishops have prevented them from meeting on church property.

6) Will VOTF bankrupt the diocese and my parish?

No. The Diocese of Rockville Centre is the sixth largest diocese in the country and one of the wealthiest. LI VOTF believes that the laity has a right to know how our money is being spent and how much the Diocese has in reserves. If the diocese and parishes initiated the financial reforms that we are calling for, namely, transparency and lay participation in decision-making, the financial condition of our diocese and parishes would improve.

7) Does VOTF support financial settlements for all proven cases of abuse, even those beyond the statute of limitations.

Yes. LI VOTF believes all cases should be settled expeditiously and compassionately, as is now being done in Boston.

8) Will I be excommunicated for joining VOTF?

There have been no reports of a Bishop excommunicating people on the basis of VOTF membership. There are over 200 VOTF affiliates in the US, but only 5 or 6 Bishops have prevented us from meeting in our churches. Bishop Murphy is in the extreme minority of Bishops and pastors in the country who do not recognize VOTF as a positive force to protect our children and strengthen our church.

9) How come our pastor does NOT approve VOTF in our parish?

Bishop Murphy has banned LI VOTF members from meeting on Church property. Pastors are required to comply with Bishop Murphy's directives. In spite of this, LI VOTF has members in over 95% of the 134 parishes of the diocese. 50+ Parish Voices are helping pastors and parishioners to protect our children and prevent the misuse of funds and the abuse of power.

10) Why is VOTF so adversarial and confrontational?

Sometimes advocating for reform involves strong discussion and debate, which can be misinterpreted as adversarial and confrontational. We believe certain structures of our Church are in need of change in accordance with the vision and goals of the Second Vatican Council. The protection of our children is non-negotiable.

11) What does VOTF mean by "structural change" of the church?

It certainly does NOT mean theological change! It means oversight to protect our children, financial accountability and encouraging full participation by the laity in the decision making process of the church. Such participation is perfectly consistent with the authoritative teaching of the Second Vatican Council. (See www.votf-li.org/structuralchange.htm )

12) What is a priest of integrity?

The opposite of a priest who abuses children. The opposite of a priest who stands silent in the presence of abuse of any type: abuse of children, adults, fellow priests, or parishioners. The opposite of a priest who abuses power and money. A priest of integrity is a priest who tries his best to live his life according to Gospel values.

13) Why doesn't VOTF stop making waves? I go to church to be consoled, healed and comforted. It's time to move on.

LI VOTF members also go to church to be consoled, to be healed, and to find the support of Jesus Christ. The members of LI VOTF love our church so much that they are willing to stand up and call for the reforms that are necessary to protect our children and heal our wounded church.

14) The church has been around for 2,000 years. Does VOTF really think they can change the church?

Yes. The church has undergone significant change over the past 2,000 years, and it has consistently been reformed. LI VOTF, along with many of our priests (and other organized groups) are working at reform as well.

15) Is VOTF in favor of women priests?

VOTF's goals do not challenge any church teaching. Its goals are to protect our children from abuse, to support good and faithful priests, to reform the church so that our children are never abused again, to have the laity welcomed into the decision making structures of the church, and to make sure that our money is never used for the cover up of criminal activities. Far from challenging church teachings, these goals are in complete harmony with them. (See www.votf-li.org/WhoWeAre.html )

16) Is VOTF in favor of married priests?

VOTF's goals do not challenge any church teaching. Its goals are to protect our children from abuse, to support good and faithful priests, to reform the church so that our children are never abused again, to have the laity welcomed into the decision making structures of the church, and to make sure that our money is never used for the cover up of criminal activities. Far from challenging church teachings, these goals are in complete harmony with them. (See www.votf-li.org/WhoWeAre.html )

17) Is VOTF pro abortion?

VOTF's goals do not challenge any church teaching. Its goals are to protect our children from abuse, to support good and faithful priests, to reform the church so that our children are never abused again, to have the laity welcomed into the decision making structures of the church, and to make sure that our money is never used for the cover up of criminal activities. Far from challenging church teachings, these goals are in complete harmony with them. (See www.votf-li.org/WhoWeAre.html )

18) Why aren't young people joining VOTF?

Young parents tell us they are very busy people and their family obligations leave little time for LI VOTF activities. Many young people support VOTF but may not be able to join in the numbers we would like to see. VOTF is fighting for the safety of children on behalf of young couples who do not participate at the present time.

19) Is VOTF anti-Bishop?

As loyal Catholics, true to the long tradition of the church, we have the utmost respect for the office of Bishop. But, unfortunately, not every Bishop, nor every priest for that matter, is worthy of the great honor and respect of Catholics. When that happens, as has happened in the abuse scandals, priests must be removed. We believe that it would be best for our church if every Bishop and Cardinal directly involved in the sexual abuse scandal and its cover up would resign.

20) Why is VOTF asking for Bishop Murphy's resignation?

Based on a report that was issued by the Massachusetts Attorney General in July 2003, our members voted overwhelmingly to ask Bishop Murphy to resign. We believe the scathing report, which cites Bishop Murphy's malfeasance on numerous occasions raised serious doubts about his ability to exercise the moral leadership that is essential in the office of Bishop. (See www.votf-li.org/resignation_story.html)

21) How can I join VOTF?

For more information or to join us, please visit www.votf-li.org and sign up at
www.votf-li.org/join_us_now.html or send your name, address, phone #, e-mail address, parish and town to:
Long Island Voice of the Faithful, PO Box 1007, Nesconset, NY 11767