Marie Collins, an Irish
woman who was a victim of repeated sexual abuse by a priest when
she was a girl, has quit an international commission on
protecting children that was set up by Pope Francis.
The resignation was announced by the pontifical commission
headed by Cardinal Sean O'Malley.
Collins had been part of the body since its inception in
2014.
"In discussing with the Cardinal, and in her resignation
letter to the Holy Father, Mrs. Collins cited her frustration at
the lack of cooperation with the Commission by other offices in
the Roman Curia," read a statement.
The commission is an important part of the Catholic Church's
drive to stamp out sexual abuse of minors by members of the
clergy after a series of scandals in many parts of the world.
After Collins' resignation, the Pontifical Commission for the
Protection of Minors has 16 members, none of whom are abuse
survivors.
The statement said Collins accepted an invitation to continue
to work with the Commission in an educational role and that the
pope had accepted her resignation "with deep appreciation for
her work on behalf of the victims/survivors of clergy abuse".
"On behalf of the Members of the Commission I have expressed
to Marie Collins our most sincere thanks for the extraordinary
contributions she has made as a founding member of the
Commission," said O'Malley.
"We will certainly listen carefully to all that Marie wishes
to share with us about her concerns and we will greatly miss her
important contributions as a member of the Commission.
"I am deeply grateful for Marie's willingness to continue to
work with us in the education of church leaders, including the
upcoming programs for new bishops and for the dicasteries of the
Holy See.
"Our prayers will remain with Marie and with all victims and
survivors of sexual abuse".
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