1

Adjust the timing of the Dallas Synod to hold open “listening” sessions covering difficult topics including the abuse crisis early in the process (i.e., between March and July 2022) so that questions and suggestions on these issues may be submitted to the Global Synod. Inserting the listening sessions of the Global Synod into the short preparatory phase of the much longer, slower, and tightly managed Dallas Synod, means that the abuse crisis will receive minimal if any attention before the Consultation period for the Global Synod concludes on August 15, 2022. 

2

Conduct active and encouraging outreach to survivors and meaningful steps toward healing. One example would be to initiate a restorative justice program in the whole Church, designed to bring all stakeholders together to discuss how they’ve been affected and decide what should be done to heal and repair the harm.

3

Modify all diocesan safe environment practices/policies to be clear, understandable, free of Canon Law jargon, manageable and less “top-down” in nature. Stop lobbying against legal reforms such as limitations-extension periods or “windows,” and mandated-reporter laws that prohibit perpetrators from abusing the secrecy of the confessional.

4

Improve transparency across the system – for example, not just some, but all Diocesan lay review panels should publicly identify their members and their professional/personal backgrounds and follow published guidelines for continuing education and “term limits,” so that these important groups are continually refreshed with updated knowledge and new members.

5

Ensure that all Church personnel who work with this issue, especially those whose jobs involve interacting with survivors, such as Victim Assistance Coordinators, be specifically trained to be trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive. This would lessen the additional trauma caused when survivors attempt to communicate or participate with the Church, only to be re-traumatized.

6

Develop a Church-wide process for assignment of priests to parishes that allows parish lay leaders to hear about the “vetting” of the candidate and make their own inquiries about suitability for pastorship in that parish.

7

Commission a national Lay Stewards Panel to receive, track and monitor complaints against bishops, including those that are raised via the U.S. CBAR service.

8

Strengthen and publicize Church efforts to protect youth and vulnerable adults, including those who might be subject to abuse of authority, such as seminarians

9

Proactively reach out to the lay faithful for insight, reaction, participation and guidance. Respond to inquiries and offers of assistance, rather than treat lay input as suspect and unwanted.