Survivors and Bishops

Pushing Back Against the Darkness

The Catholic University of America, May 1, 2019

On May 1, 2019, the Catholic University of America hosted an event in which Spirit Fire facilitated a day of dialogue between bishops and archbishops and survivors. Attended as well by university scholars from diverse disciplines, as well as about twenty bishops and twenty survivors, the dialogue opened the attendees to return home with new and creative approaches to caring for survivors and their families, as well as for helping diocesan families heal.

The format was a blend of short reflections and seated panel discussions including Spirit Fire survivors and by guests, including Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston MA, Bishop Edward Burns of Dallas TX, Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City MO, Bishop Edward S. Scharfenberger of Albany NY,  Bishop Chad Zielinski of Fairbanks AK. Private breakout sessions were provided for bishops and survivors as well.

This is a leading example of Spirit Fire facilitating dialogue for healing within the Church by bringing together all members of a wounded family. The brochure for this event may be found here.