[We wrote this letter to Jim Lago, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, and John O'Malley, Legal Counsel for the Archdiocese, a couple days after our meeting with them March 7, 2003. It was written when Cardinal George's position was to not release the 36 names out of concern for the deceased priests. Now his position is that the Archdiocese has already released all of the names. A Chicago Sun Times reporter has told us that they can only find 24 of those names. This letter is a sample of our concerns as lay Catholics during this crisis in the Church.]
Dear Mr. Lago and Mr. O’Malley,
We all want to thank you so much for our productive meeting last Friday night. We covered a lot of territory, and are so grateful to you for our wide-ranging discussion. To summarize the high points of our discussion:
· Our primary focus is the importance of the release of the names of verified perpetrators, whether alive or dead. This process will happen, whether or not we in the church control it. Enterprising press people will “out” these perpetrators, one by one, over the next few years, if we do nothing. If we do act, and responsibly release these names, the victims, some of whom may have been haunted by these vile acts, but have not really dealt with them in their lives, may begin their process of healing.
· We also discussed a more robust outreach to victims who may not have yet identified themselves – perhaps public service announcements, which invite victims to approach the archdiocese or the survivor groups for help and support.
· We encouraged you to complete your review of the histories of order priests who have served in the Archdiocese, and to publish clear standards for their work among us. By the way, we also left without an idea of your anticipated end-date for that study. Do you have a date in mind?
Thanks again for taking time away from your families to see us on Friday. Please know, we all love the church, and are encouraged by your willingness listen and work together.
Sincerely,
Coalition of Concerned Catholics