Editor's Note: The letter below followed an earlier letter to the Bishop's representatives which can be read using the link at the end of this letter.

 

In January 2004 you met with the priests of the diocese who strongly urged you to reconcile your differences with Voice of the Faithful. In response to this request, you agreed to form a liaison committee for this purpose.

Shortly thereafter, we were approached by Msgr. Brennan, who suggested a format and time line for such talks. We took whole-hearted action, choosing a team from among our Board members, and collecting documents that would explain our concerns about the diocese and make clear VOTF's goal of "structural change" within the Church.

We were disappointed when you chose representatives that many believe were biased against any rapprochement or honest dialogue with us, and question your good faith in appointing such representatives. However, in spite of our disappointment our team consistently endeavored to seek clarification of your issues and to find a path toward understanding. Time after time, our people assured your representatives that we were willing to work with you as the Ordinary of the diocese.

Now that our talks have ended, we take this opportunity to summarize our thoughts about the salient topics discussed:

1. We provided your representatives with numerous documents explaining what VOTF means by "structural change" and discussed this issue at length. Your representatives failed to provide us with anything that supported or explained your concerns about this issue.

2. Since your representatives failed to validate your concerns, we are re-asserting our position that your ban on the good people of LI VOTF meeting on church property is unsupported, unjust, and contrary to the spirit of unity so strongly advocated by the late Pope John Paul II. The lifting of this ban was a principal issue raised at your 2004 meeting with the diocesan priests. By your lack of good faith, you have failed these priests.

3. We believe that you have fostered a spirit of disunity here in the Diocese of Rockville Centre by consistently opting for confrontation over reconciliation. With regard to these aborted discussions, you have failed your priests and undermined the dialogue for which they called.

4. Finally, with respect to our call for your resignation, please be advised that, as has always been the case, we are willing to work with you for the good of the diocese. However, we continue to believe that our call for your resignation was and is justified. As is the case with the majority of Catholics in the United States, we believe that it would be best if all bishops who were directly involved with the sexual abuse crisis and its cover-up would resign.

We are people of faith and a group that desires healing and unity. As such, we always welcome ongoing and productive dialogue. Although we are greatly disappointed with the results of our discussions, let us both look to the Spirit to guide the Church and us in these difficult times.