The People of Hope was recently approved as private
association of the faithful
in the Archdiocese of Newark. Unfortunately, the Church failed to
address or
even consider the concerns and proof of physical, psychological & emotion abuse
on fellow Catholics who were a part of this group before they broke away from
the abusive practices of the Shepherding & Discipleship Movement in this group.
The Archbishop of Newark is being considered as a candidate to replace
retiring Cardinal Egan of New York. Read the article
on Survivor's
Network of those Abused by Priests for more information.
This "new day" for the People of Hope is
a constant reminder
of others being abandoned by the Church.
This letter, dated December 8,
1992, has been edited to omit the name of the author and his family. The letter was sent
by a former coordinator of the community. Although it states the couple is taking a 6
month leave of absence, they left the group.
To Our Dear Brothers and Sisters in
the People of Hope,
After 14 years of serving as a Coordinator in the People of Hope, I find myself in
serious disagreement with the present positions of the leadership with regards to the
following:
1 . As to the depth and extent of the
negative psychological, emotional and spiritual impact the community has had on
many individuals over the years.
2. The leadership position regarding the relationship with Arch Bishop McCarrick,
specifically, the refusal to change a system that exhibits too much control over
individuals lives and whose leadership has no accountability outside of itself. A
number of sources has confirmed that Bishop Cordez believes Arch Bishop McCarrick's
requests are reasonable and well within his jurisdiction.
These disagreements in no way detract from the
wonderful blessings the People of Hope has been to us and to hundreds of others over the
years. They are however, serious enough for us to take a 6 month leave of absence from
involvement in the Community.
We are making this decision because we are 'for" the community not against it, and
believe that radical reform is necessary in the best interest of, and possibly for
the survival of the People of Hope.
_______ and I apologize for any hurt that this decision may cause in any of you. Be
assured of our continued love and affection for all of you.
We would be happy to talk privately to any individual or couple about our views.
Advent is a season of hope. Let us hope together
that any disagreements we have can either be resolved or lived with in a spirit of peace,
love and joy as is befitting all good Christians.
