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	Support Priests of Integrity Working Group Update Voice of the Faithful September 13, 2007 http://www.votf.org/vineyard/Sept13_2007/spwg.html United States — The committee for the Goal Two Working Group is pleased to make the following announcement: It is our intent to honor all the priests who have been nominated for a Priest of Integrity award (and who have agreed to accept such recognition). But how to do so is a challenge. We had the daunting responsibility of identifying one of the nominees to receive an award at the Providence Convention. It proved impossible to name just one, and so we will honor three priests at the award ceremony. They are: Fr. Ken Lasch (St. Joseph's Parish, Mendham, New Jersey): A priest who has spoken at VOTF gatherings, supported survivors unhesitatingly beginning in 1995, and who continues to speak out both for survivors and the reforms of Vatican II. He is also a founder of Project Millstones. Fr. Richard Reissmann (St. John-Holy Angels Parish, Newark, Delaware): The only priest in his diocese who was willing to support VOTF in his parish and who is a member himself. His testimony before the Delaware State Legislature is credited with helping in the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 29, the strongest bill protecting children; the bill eliminated the two year statute of limitation and provided a two year look-back window. Fr. Steve Stanbery (Pastor of a rural parish in New Bavaria, Ohio): A priest who has "been on a continuing crusade for integrity and transparency" in his diocese since the sex scandals became apparent in 2002. He has worked tirelessly to root out the evil in the cover-up of a murder probe of a slain Catholic nun, clergy sexual abuse cases, closed parishes, and financial impropriety. He participated in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Twist of Faith." The following priests were also nominated and will be highlighted in future editions of In the Vineyard as well as be acclaimed in their respective regions: Fr. Pat Brennan (Inverness, IL) Fr. Bill Hammer (Louisville, KY) Fr. David Hitch (Tipton, Iowa) Fr. Stephen Josoma (Dedham, MA) Fr. James McGee (Crawfordville, FL) Fr. Michael O'Connell (St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN) Fr. Mark Schmeider (Cincinnati, OH) Fr. Louis Stasker (Grand Rapids, Michigan Speaking on behalf of our committee, I can say that we applaud every priest who demonstrates the courage and compassion that each of these men has shown, and it is our hope that others will step forward in the same way, making such a distinction no longer exceptional! Ultimately, we honor all of them with our prayers and willingness to imitate their Christian witness.
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