Mutual Support for Priests
The Mutual Support Work Group of the AUSCP was established over three years ago to provide assistance to priests as they experience challenges in their ministerial and personal lives. Although it was initially envisioned as a way to support priests who had been accused (falsely or otherwise) of inappropriate sexual behavior, the group has been called upon to provide a listening ear and wise counsel to priests who are facing other challenges in their lives. The WG is made up of 9 priests from around the USA and draws upon the combined wisdom of many years of compassionate ministry as well as the assistance of Canon Lawyers.
Mutual Support for Gay Priests
The following statement concerning the AUSCP’s support of our brothers in ministry is offered by the Mutual Support Work Group. The members who gather at the June Assembly will be asked to support the statement. The statement will be released to the media and distributed to the members of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.
Rights of Priests
The Mutual Support Committee of the AUSCP has prepared a document delineating the rights of priests. It was prepared with the input of several canonists, bishops, and members of the Leadership Team. Along with the document is the text of a wallet card which the committee asks priests to print copies for themselves and their friends.
“You probably know of one or another priest who has been accused of sexual abuse, perhaps even yourself,” the document begins. “The Association of U.S. Catholic Priests (AUSCP) is aware of such situations among its members and beyond. Some have been accused but exonerated. Others have been accused and convicted. Many others have been accused but ill-defined and protracted civil and ecclesial investigations leave them hanging for months and years. Some are never convicted or exonerated.”