Abuse survivor Marie Collins resigns from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors
In an article she cites the lack of resources, inadequate staff, slow progress, and cultural reluctance as her reasons to quit. She especially mentions resistance by people and offices of the Roman Curia to the Commission's recommendations "despite their approval by the pope". She will nevertheless continue to cooperate with the Commission in an "educational role."
Vatican City (AsiaNews) – Marie Collins (pictured left) resigned today from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors citing the lack of resources, inadequate staff structures, slow progress, and cultural resistance.
Despite her resignation, Collins, from Ireland, accepted the invitation of the President of the Commission, Card Sean Patrick O'Malley (pictured right), to “work with the Commission in an educational role in recognition of her exceptional teaching skills and impact of her testimony as a survivor” of abuse.
“I have come to the point where I can no longer be sustained by hope,” Ms Collins writes in an article published today by the National Catholic Reporter.
In it, she notes the resistance “of some members of the Vatican Curia to implement the recommendations of the Commission despite their approval by the pope.”
She goes on to say that “The reluctance of some in the Vatican Curia to implement recommendations or cooperate with the work of a commission when the purpose is to improve the safety of children and vulnerable adults around the world is unacceptable.”
“During our first year we had to go forward without an office or staff. Then finding a method by which the Commission could enter into dialogue with Vatican dicasteries was difficult for a very prolonged period.”
Ms Collins notes that, despite papal approval in June 2015, the Commission’s recommendation for a Tribunal to hold negligent bishops accountable was never implemented.
In a statement, Commission president Cardinal O'Malley, writes, “On behalf of the Members of the Commission I have expressed to Marie Collins our most sincere thanks for the extraordinary contributions she has made as a founding member of the Commission.”
The press release adds that it will “certainly listen carefully” to what Ms Collins wishes to share and announces that the Commission will meet in plenary session next month to discuss these matters.
Finally, “With the members of the Commission I am deeply grateful for Marie’s willingness to continue to work with us in the education of church leaders, including the upcoming programs for new bishops and for the dicasteries of the Holy See.”
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