In 2008, the late Richard Sipe wrote his 11-point thesis (see http://www.awrsipe.com/click_and_learn/2008-10-preliminary_considerations.html which logically outlined how high levels of clergy sexual activity have resulted in the systemic cover-up of clergy misconduct and crimes. The McCarrick affair is evidence of the realities that Sipe presented. The following podcast will also present some of the background: https://podbay.fm/podcast/1163175265/e/1532705420 

In October 2018, the Vatican announced that it would conduct a review of files on McCarrick's abuse history and who knew what, and when they knew it. This report was to explore how McCarrick, who abused both children and adults (myself being a now-well-healed survivor of both), was able to rise to the rank of Cardinal even though many clergy allegedly knew of his exploits for decades. One reason why McCarrick's abuses are so controversial was that he was the main author of the Dallas Charter set up to deal with clergy abuse. At first that charter also included how to deal with abusive bishops, but the term 'bishops' was later removed, protecting bishops and projecting the focus on lesser clergy only.

The McCarrick Report was due to be released in November 2019; however, due to the vast amount of information coming forward, the result was a now "hefty document" needing to be translated, and its release, therefore, needing to be delayed. The new expected release date was then to be around Feb 2020. However, WE ARE STILL WAITING. Some are concerned that the report may be being delayed until after a temporarily lifted statute of limitations in New York and New Jersey ends in 2021. Others are concerned that it will never be released, such as what has happened with Benedict's report into Vatican corruption which many believe led to his resignation. The report may well be released at any time now, rendering this petition moot, but experience has shown that sometimes, a push is needed. Hence this petition.

As did Sipe's, my research into Catholic clergy sexual misconduct against adults (see https://eprints.qut.edu.au/96038/ and https://eprints.qut.edu.au/111885/ and my soon to be released PhD, has found that there are many more adult victims of clergy abuse than of children and the Church hierarchy are fully aware of this reality. Both types are horrendous. McCarrick would by no means be not the only perpetrator to have risen in the ranks of the clergy. 

Regarding figures, a recent estimate (see Millar, 2019*) said that across the world, there are around 10,000 children of priests. Clergy sexual misconduct against adults that does NOT result in children, e.g. McCarrick's abuse of seminarians, would be easily 50 times greater in number. And yet, the Catholic Church does not want to face up to the reality of the myth of celibacy and the breakdown in morale and people's lives it results in. Whether you're a committed Catholic or not, please sign this petition and pass it on, to let the Catholic Church know it needs to address this issue, of which McCarrick is but a symbol.

So, please give Francis an encouraging push to release this report, and IN FULL. If it is not released, well, what are we supposed to think except that SIpe's 11-point thesis must be absolutely true. By signing you will also be supporting hundreds of thousands of adult clergy misconduct victims whose voices are rarely if ever heard.

*Millar, L. (Reporter). (2019, September 26). “Secrets and Lies”, aka “The Hidden Children of the Catholic Church” (Television broadcast) Sydney, NSW: ABC Television. https://www.abc.net.au/foreign/secrets-and-lies/11543328