To the Editor:

Your Sept. 19 editorial ''Hear Their Voices'' harms diocesan efforts relating to survivors of abuse by clergy and dialogue with Voice of the Faithful.

You do not mention that the ''40 sexual-abuse lawsuits'' you refer to have been presented by attorneys in the form of a lawsuit that claims the diocese knowingly committed fraud in the past, a charge that is untrue. No abuse survivor has been refused appropriate therapy. Every survivor has access to the good offices of the church, including survivor groups and spiritual therapy if they wish. Bishop William F. Murphy's door is always open, and he has met pastorally with victim survivors.

You dismiss diocesan efforts to reach out to survivors as ''public relations ploys.'' The formation of a survivors support group was a result of the diocese listening and acting upon requests by survivors. Ironically, it has been the news media claiming that the diocese hasn't been doing enough outreach to victim survivors.

Finally, you talk about the collapse in ''negotiations'' with Voice of the Faithful. In fact, Bishop Murphy is seeking reconciliation with Voice of the Faithful and has been working in good faith to try to achieve it.

Sean P. Dolan
Rockville Centre

The writer is director of communications, Diocese of Rockville Centre.