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Minutes/Reports
Bloomington Area VOTF
Meeting Summary
February 8, 2004
Heartland Community Church,
1811 N. Linden, Normal, IL
- Meeting started with Faith First: Sunday Mass’ reading from the Book of Isaiah and sharing.
- Review of events happening since our last meeting:
- Bishop Jenky being accused of having knowledge of abuse by Notre Dame Observer letter
- Filing of suit by victim/survivor Dan Koenigs and our presence in Peoria to support him
- Catholic Post contained two articles: by Bishop Jenky responding to Notre Dame Observer letter and the Diocese response to Dan Koenigs’ suit. Diocese used statements about Dan in an attempt to discredit him
- VOTF Peoria responded with letters to the editors in six newspapers around the diocese, condemning both the ND Observer article and the statements discrediting Dan.
- VOTF meeting in Peoria Feb. 3, and follow up meeting on Feb. 10. Organizational meeting for the Peoria area.
- Open discussion and questions regarding events, Catholic Post, etc.
- John Ryan’s report on his afternoon visit with his friend Cardinal Francis George in Chicago—a personal visit.
John learned that the Chicago Archdiocese is doing many fine things: gay & lesbian support, 60 member laity council, new organization structures (e.g., pastoral councils), revamped their approach to victims/survivors, etc.
- Study: group discussion regarding our continuing education. Research includes
- National Federation of Priests: who are they? When do they meet? Where? Goals?
- Peoria Diocese Priests’ Council: who, when, where, goals, open meetings, minutes, etc.
- USCCB National Advisory Board: who, when, where, goals, open meetings, minutes, etc.
- Dallas Charter: get copies; read and discuss
- Peoria Diocese policies on abuse
- Law in Illinois regarding abuse; especially, when a minor is involved
- School boards in relation to parish and diocese governance and finances
- Do’s and don’ts in relating to victims (e.g., hugs, meeting in churches, etc.)
- Next Meeting: Feb. 22, 2004
4:00 p.m. Heartland Community Church
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