After a year of discussion myself and Anne Lawrence left the 'exploratory talks' set up by the Catholic Church in England and Wales's safeguarding committees yesterday.
As the only Clergy sexual abuse survivors group there, (there were other survivors groups) we came to understand the Catholic Church was preparing to design 'pastoral care guidelines' for ALL victims of abuse, physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect, of ALL people in parishes, abused by ANYONE.
Whilst we agree this is a great idea, the Church's sole purpose of doing this was to 'bury' clergy sex abuse victims and NOT offer SPECIFICALLY , primarily services for them other than whats available for all parishioners.
This we felt was devious, rejecting, denial of the Church's duty to be accountable, recognise the harm done by their clergy and offer justice and reparation.
The other focus the Church wanted was to 'reconcile victims to the Catholic Church', this we felt quite outrageous.
Survivor groups around the table were to form a group of 'critical friends' of the Catholic Church.
These themes really told us over the year that the Catholic Church were either completely aware of their stratedgy to 'bury' clergy sexual abuse issues/victims or still 'did not get it'.
We believe it's the former and so could not stay.
The Latern Project also walked out.
Please see www.macsas.org.uk for press releases and comentary.
please advise all your contacts on our decision.
Margaret
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