Thread by @jdflynn

Deb Amato, Chair of the National Advisory Council, will now give a report. Report was pre-recorded BEFORE the release of McCarrick Report.

So the report wont include that.

#USCCB20

National Advisory Council is a body of laity, clerics, and religious who consult on the mission and work of the USCCB.

Full disclosure: I served a term on the NAC.

Amato:

Primary purpose of the NAC is to respond to the action items being considered by USCCB Admin Committee action items using profile voting.

NAC members can also present their own resolutions for the admin committee to consider.

#USCCB20.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC also engaged in small group discussions on coronavirus and racism.

NAC met via web, and Amato says much is lost by that kind of thing.

Amato, #USCCB20:

We were told McC report is forthcoming and members expressed ongoing interest and concern. We have a shared desire for justice and for healing, and eagerly await the report.

Amato, #USCCB20:

45 members of NAC were present.

At March meeting, we helped develop the theme of the 2021-2024 strategic plan.

We emphasized the importance of the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC strongly supported a proposal to begin USCCB meetings with prayer.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC resolution strongly supported by NAC:

- that USCCB make available an annual report "in the effort to protect God's children." Suggested a one-page infographic on protection for bulletins.

NAC resolution strongly supported by NAC:

- that the ad hoc committee against racism be made a permanent structure. Was strongly supported, but some suggested might deemphasize urgency.

- that USCCB develop a mechanism for bishops and to do self-reflection on racism and bias.

NAC resolution strongly supported by NAC:

-urged an active role in domestic abuse recognition, prevention, and healing. Resolution recommends Church do more as a "safe haven" for victims of domestic violence.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC discussed pandemic and racism in anticipation of episcopal discussion of those matters at this week's meeting.

NAC members urged technological engagement and recognized creativity in livestream Masses and sidewalk confession.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC expressed concern about whether people will return to Mass after pandemic, the impact on people's faith, and on Catholic schools.

"Faithful are hungry for hope."

proviso- with prolonged prayer services. Sorry for the lack of clarity on that.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC urges that bishops listen, reflect, and then dialogue on racism. urges bishops to listen to experiences, after time to reflect quietly and seriously.

NAC urges clarity on uses of terms regarding racism.

Amato, #USCCB20:

NAC urges support for concepts and ideas, rather than organizations: distinguishing, for example, between Black Lives Matter as an important concept and Black Lives Matter as an organization.

Amato will end her term as chairwoman of NAC with this report.

Bishop Frank Kallabat also ending his term on the NAC.

+Gomez thanks NAC members.

Now there will be a report from the National Review Board, which is charged with making recommendations regarding child and youth protection, and which helps to oversee annual audits of diocesan compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

New chair of National Review Board is Suzanne Healy.

Healy speaking now. #USCCB20

Healy, #USCCB20:

Thanks Francesco Ceasereo, her predecessor as chair of NRB.

Healy, #USCCB20:

I a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and oversaw victims' assistance in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles until retiring in 2016.

I know how survivors are harmed. And I know you bishops have worked for safe environments. Never let up.

Healy, #USCCB20:

Working now on recomended changes to the audit process, efforts to evaluate training programs, increased communications, development of a diocesan toolkit to provide you with pertinent information on safe environment.

NRB exists to serve you.