The Church must face the shame of trust betrayed, says Archbishop of Birmingham
I have just crossed the city of Dublin, in a coach with other pilgrims taking part in the World Meeting of Families.
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Across the city, there is a real sense of excitement and expectation.
Excitement because this is the international Catholic family meeting with Pope Francis.
But also expectation because we all long to hear the Holy Father speak words of hope and encouragement.
We are all aware that the Church is at an important crossroads.
As a family of families, it must face the shame that trust has been betrayed within the family of God.
One of the most moving expressions I heard last week, from a father of five children, was “words are sweet but love means deeds”.
The Church needs to act – this is an opportunity for real transparency and accountability.
Bishops and pastors like me have been learning from families here what it means to listen; to seek forgiveness, to work for healing and reconciliation.
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Marie Collins, one of the survivors of abuse, last week said that ordinary men and women should be involved in shaping how the Church acts.
The families gathered here this past week have been showing us how to do this.
With these thoughts in mind, I look up at the helicopters, telling us that the Pope is very near.
I am sure that his words and his gestures will enable us to move on with confidence in all our families, and with a real sense of hope for the future.