(L-R in photo: Jo O’Sullivan, Ann Kennedy, Dr Bryan Maguire, Archbishop Martin, Dr Margaret Kennedy, Marie Collins and Fr Paddy.McCafferty.)

In the light of the current crises in the Catholic Church in Ireland, when almost every day more information comes to light which causes Catholics anguish, many faithful, church-going Catholics feel torn between their need to continue practising their personal faith and their desire to show support to victims of clergy sexual abuse..

Voice of the Faithful (Ireland) have produced a ribbon calling for ‘Truth, Accountability and Justice’. The ribbon is blue with silver writing depicting a teddy bear to denote the innocence of the children abused. We call on people to wear the ribbon in solidarity with victims/survivors of abuse. By wearing this ribbon, the church community as a whole bears witness to the support and care of victims of clerical abuse.

The ribbon was deliberately launched on Holy Thursday to remember that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Archbishop Martin was presented with the first ribbon on Holy Thursday as a mark that survivors of clergy sexual abuse need all the support we can give. As we humbly care for weary and hurt people we call on all the people of Ireland to do likewise by wearing the ribbon of ‘truth, accountability and Justice.

VOTFI does not ask for payment. However, donations will be gratefully received to further our work of supporting survivors.

We hope whole parishes will ask for bulk supplies and that families, youth clubs and all community groups as well as individuals will wear the ribbon and join the call for ‘TRUTH, ACCOUNTABILITY,JUSTICE’. This will create a supportive network around Irish clergy sexual Abuse Survivors. .

The ribbons (pictured below) can be obtained from:

Dr Margaret Kennedy
“Louisa”
18 Proby Park
Off Barnhill rd
Dalkey
Co Dublin