The recent testimony of the dying Cardinal Carlo Martini is a telling reminder of the disappointment and distress in the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world at the failure of so many of our leaders truly to implement the paths of reform indicated in the Vatican Council II's teaching.  We remain energized by the vision of Blessed John XXIII who, in calling that Council, said: "Throw open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can see in."

Therefore we echo Cardinal Martini's insights and call on our Church's highest leaders to address the present crisis in the world-wide Church. This would begin by initiating a prayerful discernment and true dialogue which includes representatives of our national associations. The focus would be on the needs of our Church in the light of the documents of Vatican II.

More specifically, we propose:

• implementing fully the vision and teaching of the Second Vatican Council, with its emphasis on the status and active participation of all the baptized in a way that fulfills the teaching of Benedict XVI on authentic co-responsibility;
• reflecting the teachings of the Scriptures, a redesigning of ministry in the Church in order to incorporate the gifts, wisdom and expertise of the entire People of God;
• re-structuring the governing system of the Church that will ground its leadership in Christ-centered proclamation, service and love, avoiding any tendency of control and fear;
• encouraging transparency and decentralization at every level a culture of consultation, including the appointment of Church leaders;
• re-empowering all national conferences of bishops;
• accepting the primacy of the individual conscience and an end to the present secretive processes where active and loyal members of the Church are perceived as "dissidents";  
• acknowledging that questioning as well as dissent cannot be identified with disloyalty but represents a canonical right given to all the Christian faithful;
• re-evaluating Catholic sexual teaching and pastoral practice that would recognize the profound mystery of human sexuality as well as the experience and wisdom of God's people;
• promoting in practical ways justice, peace, and the protection of God's creation locally, nationally and globally.

While the October, 2012 Synod will make its own contribution, it is of its nature very limited because it effectively excludes any real representation of laity and clergy. Our Church leadership needs a wider, deeper, richer and structured participation from all God's People so that we might more effectively live and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as priests associations throughout the world we call on our church authorities to respond to the present critical situation by facilitating the creation of processes by which the above issues will be prayerfully discussed and consensually addressed in a way that will bring about a richer form of evangelization in our church. 

Meanwhile, we priests will faithfully pastor our people, respect their baptismal status, and include them, women and men, in parish governance. We will enthusiastically build parish communities that reflect the diversity of ministries called for by Vatican II. With our people we will continue to creatively explore the engagement of culture to prepare for a more hopeful future of vibrant believers.

The above is affirmed by the Leadership of the AUSCP and the following AUSCP members individually sorted by Diocese/Order, this Feast of All Saints 2012