Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

The Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life has organized a series of dialogues on the clerical sexual abuse crisis and lay leadership to address the anger and anguish haunting our family of faith. This conversation and dialogue brought together local and international leaders to explore concrete ways to move forward and effectively respond to this crisis.

To set the stage, Fr. Hans Zollner, S.J., founder and president of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University, discussed his work and role as an Organizing Committee member for the recent Meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church in conversation with Initiative Associate Director Kim Daniels. 

Father Zollner and Daniels were subsequently joined in dialogue by Kathleen Coogan, a Parish Pastoral Council member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and Michael Nugent, a member of the Archdiocese of Washington Child Protection Advisory Board and survivor of clergy sexual abuse. Fr. Alan Fogarty, S.J., Gregorian University Foundation president, opened the gathering. Ellen Toups, Holy Trinity Catholic Church Parish Council chair, provided the closing prayer.

Following the gathering there was a reception in Riggs Library – Healy Hall, Georgetown University.

Please RSVP for this dialogue on the Gregorian University Foundation’s website.

This event was co-sponsored by the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Gregorian University Foundation, and Holy Trinity Catholic Church.