Fr. Tom Doyle says thanks

Catholic New Times, July 4, 2004

Fr. Tom Doyle has been the best face of the Catholic Church for over two decades as he stood by and spoke for the survivors of clergy sexual abuse. His dismissal as a military chaplain has provoked a rush of support from survivors, survivor organizations and their supporters. His response:

"The messages have been humbling for me because what happened to me was minor compared to the abuse and blatant lack of justice meted out to clergy abuse survivors and their families. It is minor compared to the widespread tendency to treat intelligent, faith-filled lay men and women like traitors simply because they have asked to be respected, listened to and treated as adults. It is minor compared to the unjust way so many priests are treated, often for simply questioning a bishop.

"The messages from all of you have taught me a lesson that gives me great hope but also makes me very embarrassed to have been part of the clerical caste. The hope is that so many of you are refusing to be manipulated and treated like children. You are responding to your baptismal status and asserting your rights to be a full part of the Body of Christ.

"I am filled with hope when I see so many seriously questioning the injustices, abuses, dishonesties, arrogance, and generally overcoming the fear that has allowed the system to get away with such unorthodox and unchristian behavior for so long.

"I am deeply inspired by the strong faith of so many. I have learned more theology than I did in the seminary.

"I am angry and embarrassed at the arrogance of so many in the clerical estate. I am embarrassed at the latest antics of the hierarchy including the pope's misguided and misinformed assessment of America as "soulless" and Cardinal George's pathetic response, which was even more cynical and myopic about our church and our culture. I am above all angry and embarrassed at the way so many of you have been treated.... there is no room in the real church for such arrogance, lack of charity and narcissism. I am convinced more than ever before that the Body of Christ has a future and that future will be bright because of you.

Thank you again : you have renewed my faith in the people of God."