Voices in Action is an important pathway for  transforming the Catholic Church through local, regional and national action. Only by working together can we truly be the Church we want to be.

We can “Keep the Faith. Change the Church” by providing guidelines for shaping the Church we envision.  We call Catholics to share their gifts and talents with others to make a difference— now. The success of our work depends on the insights and energies of all.  Join “Voices in Action”   YOU can make a difference!

Through renewed spirituality and prayer, Voices in Action begins to meet the challenge in these five areas of concern:

CHILD PROTECTION AND SURVIVOR SUPPORT

We recognize and respect the lifelong struggle of childhood victims/survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy and religious in our church community. Our mission is to direct action at national, regional and local levels to protect children and advance healing and justice for survivors. Although much has been done to protect children since the clergy abuse scandal erupted, more remains to be done—especially with adult survivors. We will encourage improvements in the quality of child protection programs and help those who work toward reforming statutes-of-limitations laws that hinder justice for victims.

What We’re Doing

• Developing an advocacy guide for reforming statutes of limitations that govern redress for victims of childhood sexual abuse.

• Educating ourselves and others as to the grievous impact of sexual abuse, and promote a better understanding of the epidemic of child sexual abuse in our society.

• Supporting and collaborating with other organizations to expand child abuse prevention education and awareness programs in both the Catholic environment and broader communities.

• Supporting survivors in their healing journey by providing opportunities for survivors to share their stories, ideas and insights about the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

LOCAL ACTION

We are working to increase active participation in the mission and ministries of each parish and diocese. We provide resources for best management practices to parish finance councils and safety committees.

What We’re Doing

• Creating safe environment committees in targeted parishes.

• Identifying and implementing “best practices” in 25 parish councils and committees.

• Assessing and strengthening VOTF affiliates.

 SPIRITUAL AND COMMUNAL GROWTH

We sustain each other spiritually because all of our work is grounded in the Holy Spirit. Voices in Action utilizes new venues and online resources to help us stay “attentive to the spirit.”

What We’re Doing

• Establishing an online resource center for spiritual and communal growth.

• Developing an interactive prayer community and promoting special events with other   faith-based organizations.

NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIP

We intend to develop collaborative actions with other Catholic groups to effectively nurture meaningful reform in the spirit of Vatican II. We seek to bring together more of these voices when speaking out on key issues of transparency and accountability.

What We’re Doing

• Exploring other reform organizations to determine potential areas of collaboration.

• Developing guidance materials for future relationships with other groups.

• Serving as a resource for other VOTF members seeking collaboration with potential partners.

UNIVERSAL CHURCH REFORM

We are focusing on discussions and creating parameters for structural change. We are developing processes to foster greater lay participation, especially in these areas:

• The selection of bishops. Since many U.S. Catholic bishops are at or nearing retirement age, VOTF has a unique opportunity to seek increased lay involvement in selecting future bishops.

• Celibacy and women’s roles in the Church. We are encouraging conversations about mandated celibacy and the historical and contemporary roles of women in the Church.

What We’re Doing

• Finding ways to raise lay voices in the coming large scale selection of new diocesan    bishops.

• Developing interactive Web site with resources and information links.

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"WHO WILL SPEAK, IF YOU DON'T?"