Tom Doyle was ordained a priest in the Dominican Order in 1970. He spent 19 years as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force. He has worked as a parish priest, church administrator and teacher. His educational background includes a doctorate in Canon Law and Master’s degrees in philosophy, theology, Church administration, Canon Law and Political Science. Tom has been involved in clergy sexual abuse issue since 1984. His work with clergy abuse victims has taken him throughout the U.S., Europe and Canada. He has assisted grand juries in the U.S. and investigatory commissions in Australia, Ireland and Canada.
Different Ways to Make a Difference
There are many ways to confront the clergy abuse problem. Some spend much of their time buried in files and books, either helping attorneys or doing deep research into the many dimensions of the complex reality of sexual violation by clergy. In this session I will discuss how consultation with attorneys and investigating bodies supports the overall mission of justice and care for victims. I will also discuss the essential role that research plays in confronting the problem now with a view to eradicating it in the future. Finally I will share some thoughts on what I have learned from my many hours in the courtroom.
