VOTF Released New Survey Results

Voice of the Faithful released the results of a June e-survey of their members that explored two questions:

1. "What qualites do you think are important to have in a bishop?"
   
   
2. "What is your assessment of the state of the crisis?"

Members who were surveyed responded at an overwhelming rate of 40%, and indicated that the top three qualities they were seeking in their next bishop were:

1. "willingness to work cooperatively, respectfully, and with trust with laity and clergy"
2. "integrity"
3. "spiritual presence"

When asked whether they agreed or disagreed that "most of the damaging news about clergy sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has already been disclosed," only 26% agreed. When asked if they believed that "the bishop of my diocese is working to restore trust," just 31% agreed. When asked if they believed that "Catholic bishops are genuinely committed to cleaning up the clergy sexual abuse crisis," a scant 23% agreed. And when asked if they believed that "the Vatican is genuinely committed to cleaning up the clergy sexual abuse crisis," a mere 11% agreed.