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One in Four is saddened by the resignation of Marie Collins from the Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Minors today. Marie is a prominent survivor of clerical abuse and has been a stalwart campaigner for change within the Catholic Church in how it responds to survivors.
Executive Director Maeve Lewis says “ Marie Collins was among the first survivors of child sexual abuse in the Irish Catholic Church to speak openly about her experiences. Her bravery was instrumental in encouraging other survivors to come forward and in forcing the Irish State to put in place four Commissions of Investigation which uncovered the dark, hidden world of clerical sexual abuse. She is recognised internationally as a woman of the highest integrity. She had real hopes that her participation on the Vatican Commission would lead to genuine change at the very top of the Catholic Church.
Marie’s resignation after three frustrating years brings into question the sincerity of top-level Vatican personnel in responding to survivors of sexual abuse. The way in which the Curia stymied most recommendations of the Commission shows a reluctance to accept the reality of clerical sexual abuse. Despite all the protestations of commitment to child protection, it appears that very little has really changed. Many survivors would like to remain within the Catholic Church and they had placed a great deal of confidence in the Commission because of Marie’s participation. They will be disappointed and distressed today. But like One in Four, they will understand that Marie had no option but to resign if she were to retain her credibility and integrity.”
