WHAT THIS PROJECT IS ABOUT
Over the past few years, the Mutual Support Work Group of the Association of US Catholic Priest (AUSCP) has become more acutely aware of injustices that some priests have faced. Know that we are committed to:
• Identifying the presenting injustice problems as well as the underlying problems
• Gathering specific credible examples pointing out a priest abused by the behavior of the bishop, while protecting the priest’s identity.
• Create a means of communicating and presenting our concerns and findings to the US bishops and/or Roman authorities.
WHY WE ARE DOING THIS
We understand the need for appropriate consequences for those who violate sexual boundaries. We acknowledge that due diligence is demanded for investigating accusations while exercising great sensitivity in providing pastoral care for all involved. We also believe following sound protocols during investigations is crucial for the accusers, the accused and the authority guided by protocols.
Many diocesan and religious order priests have knowledge of priests who have experienced the failure of dioceses and religious communities to follow protocols as found in canon law. The stories, credible or not, include examples of unjust practices such as: violations of due process, imposition of punishments with no evidence, damage and harm to a priest’s right to a good name and reputation, and lack of pastoral care.
We believe there is a need for a broad compilation of such evidentiary documentation, so that the AUSCP and other interested groups can connect the dots and assist the Bishops, the Pope, and the church-at-large to rectify unjust practices and engage in restorative justice. When the right to due process is denied or postponed for long periods of time, priests often find themselves in a “frozen limbo”— banned from pastoral work. They are “frozen” sometimes for months or years and in some cases held hostage by non-credible allegations. They are left with ruined reputations. An unjust penalty is a violation of canon law.
WHY YOUR STORY IS IMPORTANT
At this time we are inviting any priest to assist us in generating stories of priests who are living in or have lived through an obstruction of justice following an accusation whether credible or non-credible. These UNTOLD STORIES need to be told so that the grim realities that some good priests experience can be seen and known by church authorities. A problem cannot be solved if it is not known and understood. The isolation of priests during unsupported and often protracted investigations needs to be brought into daylight. It is hoped that our efforts will bring about improvements in legal and pastoral protocols.
We are confident that sound and better protocols can be developed and followed which will help:
• those currently living with the effects of such injustice,
• the priest who was falsely accused and censured today.
• the priest, having been investigated and cleared of all charges.
• the priest who will be laicized by a bishop.
• and for the innocent priest who will be disgracefully paraded in the newspapers, sidelined by the bishops, and isolated by his diocese.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We really need to help with this from the grassroots of priests’ lives! Please spread the word about this and contact for further information contact us at AUSCP.UntoldStories@gmail.com
WHAT TO WRITE
If you have experienced or personally know of such an experience, we invite you to submit a concise summary of the experience not to exceed 500 words. Normally, published submissions will use the following identifying nouns: “Fr. John Doe”, “the bishop”, “the diocese”, and “the religious community”, in order to keep all identities anonymous. The focus should be on Canon Law or protocols that were violated. We reserve the right to mildly edit what you have written. For examples, please visit the website noted in the below section.
WHERE IT WILL BE PUBLISHED
Your submission, as well as all information concerning this endeavor, will be published on the AUSCP website at: https://auscp.org/initiatives/mutual-support-for-priests/untold-stories/. Submissions may also appear on the website of several Catholic organizations who are engaged in a positive ministry in working with priests to safeguard their ministry and reputation, as well as media outlets.
WHERE TO SEND YOUR ARTICLE
Please send your article in WORD format to AUSCP.UntoldStories@gmail.com
It will be helpful to kindly include contact information and information. THIS IS FOR STATISCAL PURPOSES ONLY! Your name and contact number will help us reach you if we have clarifying questions concerning your submission. ALL information here is considered confidential. It will not be published or distributed.
Contact:
Name ____________________________
Telephone _________________________
Years of Priesthood __________________
Year of Allegation________________________________
Current standing of the allegation ________
Diocese ____________________________
Violations of Canon Law/protocols experienced _________________________________
Please help spread this request to any priest, or religious, or layperson, who have been harmed by such injustice. We in turn promise to continue to work in support of all priests and justice for all in the church.