I’m still a member of the Vatican commission
SIR – I write with reference to your interview with Baroness Hollins (June 3), which mentions Marie Collins as “the only survivor” on the Pope’s commission for the protection of children. I remain a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. When I was encouraged to resign my position by the commission president, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, I told him I was not prepared to do so and he took my decision to Rome for the recent meeting of cardinals. Upon his return Cardinal O’Malley rang me to say that I was not being “sacked”, but would I consider forming a “victims and survivors’ consultative panel” to support the work of the commission. Something similar to the victims and survivors’ panel that works with the Goddard inquiry here in the UK. I told Cardinal O’Malley that I would discuss this with other interested parties and that we would speak again in a couple of months. That is the current situation. I continue my leave of absence from the commission but remain committed to do anything I can to help our Church make the world a safer place for children. Yours faithfully, Peter Saunders Founder of NAPAC, By email
