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	Diocese Losing Advocate for Abuse Victims By Kristin Bender Alameda Times-Star April 21, 2006 http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/ci_3738882 Oakland — Sister Barbara Flannery — the highest-ranking woman at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland and the point person for the diocese's clergy sexual abuse cases — is stepping down after 12 years. Flannery has been chancellor since 1994, and under her leadership the Oakland diocese has been touted nationally as a model for how the church helps victims of sexual abuse and works with priests who stand accused of the crimes. "She has made such a difference in the diocese," said the Rev. Mark Wiesner, Oakland diocese spokesman, who said the diocese is actively looking for her replacement. As the chancellor, Flannery personally met many victims of clergy sexual abuse. She helped develop the Ministry for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse, which held a campaign called "No More Secrets," encouraging victims to step forward. "I know I have helped people, and that has been personally satisfying," she said. She hopes the work she started will continue. "We know we haven't even begun to provide assistance to the many victims out there." Diocese officials say 19 priests have been charged with sexual abuse over the past 50 years, and 72 victims have been confirmed. In 2000, Flannery coordinated an apology liturgy, said to be the first of its kind in the nation, which was delivered by former Bishop John Cummins. Flannery holds the third highest position in the diocese behind Bishop Allen Vigneronand the Rev. George Mockel, vicar general of the diocese. For the past 12 years, she has been responsible for a division within the diocese that oversees communications, schools and human resources. Flannery said she isn't unhappy in the job, but knows that "change is good" for the people and the parishes the diocese serves. The Oakland diocese serves 500,000 Catholics in Alameda and Contra Costa counties and includes 87 parishes. Flannery leaves her job at a time when there is a lot going on. The diocese is building its $131 million Cathedral of Christ the Light near Lake Merritt, scheduled for completion in 2008. The diocese also recently laid off 17 administrative employees in its chancery offices to help cover a $1.2 million budget deficit, which was caused in part by costs related to a $23 million loan it took out last year to pay settlements in priest sexual abuse cases. In August, the diocese agreed to a $56.4 million settlement with 56 sexual abuse survivors. Insurance covered roughly half that amount. Flannery said her last day is June 30, but she doesn't know exactly what she'll do after taking the months of July and August off. She wants to go to Mexico to study Spanish in an immersion program and possibly stay with a family there. She also might do some work in a parish, she said. "I'm open to options," she said.
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