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	Catholic Officials Gather to Consider Openness By Diane Haag Shreveport Times November 28, 2007 http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071128/BREAKINGNEWS/71128015 Accountability was on the mind of more than 100 Catholic officials gathered at the Shreveport Convention Center for the Conference of Chancery and Tribunal officials. Clergy and lay people came from 11 dioceses in three states to network and explore the possibility of lifting the attitude of secrecy that has been part of the church's culture. "I hope they take away that the church is very serious about accountability and transparency, not only in dealing with the (sex abuse) scandals but dealing with finances and other structures," said Sister Marilyn Vassallo, president of the conference board. Bishop Randolf Calvo, of Reno, Nev., gave the keynote address Wednesday. He said he sees individual dioceses more willing to be open. They're just trying to figure out how. "We're making a sincere effort to be accountable," he said. "I'm not saying there's not areas where we're short, but the sincerity and effort is there." Calvo, also a church lawyer, outlined the church's law on accountability and secrecy and encouraged the participants to go further. Particularly in light of the recent sexual abuse scandal, Calvo said, being transparent is one way to earn trust. "Our credibility is linked to our ability to evangelize," he said. Read more about the conference in tomorrow's Times. Contact: dhaag@gannett.com
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