Heal Our Church is committed to truth and reconciliation for survivors of clerical abuse. We are pursuing our goal of recognizing the importance of the laity in our Church.

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Seattle Archdiocese: ‘Stunning hypocrisy’

Re: “Seattle Archdiocese isn’t shirking its duty to victims of abuse” [Sept. 13,Opinion]:

“Tell the whole truth” is our response to the recent op-ed from the Seattle Archdiocese regarding the ongoing sexual abuse scandal. We at Healourchurch.org believe it is important to point out the distortions in the op-ed.

For nearly five years, we have been calling for an independent review of the files relating to this scandal. Finally, Washington’s attorney general, a lifelong Catholic, initiated an investigation to find the truth behind the cover-up. To hear the Archdiocese claim that it is cooperating with the investigation is a myth of huge proportions. They have fought this “tooth and nail” from the start — even as cases continue to be filed.

With stunning hypocrisy, the Church claims it is trying to protect the identity of victims and their families. No investigation anywhere has ever been interested in identifying victims. And transparency is not simply about identifying clergy, employee and hierarchy perpetrators. Rather, and just as importantly, the “how and why” this happened is critical to preventing a reoccurrence.

Finally, does the claimed $100 million paid to survivors plus significant attorney fees come from donations of the faithful?

For those interested in an accurate history of this scandal, please visit Healourchurch.org.Tom Lucas and Colleen Kinerk on behalf of Heal Our Church Steering Committee

Letters editor If you would like to share your thoughts about this letter or on other issues, submit a Letter to the Editor of no more than 200 words to be considered for publication in our Opinion section. Send to: letters@seattletimes.com

Justice Denied

HealOurChurch.org strongly disagrees with the recent decision by Judge Michael Scott regarding the Attorney General's investigation of the Catholic archdioceses in Washington state and support the appeal of the case. The ruling goes against the grain of numerous other states which have initiated similar investigations. LETS'S BE CLEAR: WHAT THE COURT DECIDED HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PRACTICE OF RELIGION! For years, the hierarchy of the Church in our area has resisted transparency regarding the files relating to the ongoing clergy sexual abuse scandal. Yet, cases continue to be filed. Archbishop Etienne's statements about cooperating with the Attorney General are a smokescreen preventing the public from information relating to a coverup and failure to protect minors and children. Again we ask: If you have nothing to hide, why are you resisting the investigation?

HealOurChurch.org remains committed to doing what we can to inform the public and support the Attorney General's efforts at achieving full transparency and accountability.