Newton, Mass. ? A group of lay Catholics called for Cardinal Bernard Law’s resignation Wednesday, joining a growing chorus of dissent against the leader of the scandal-plagued Boston Archdiocese.

Voice of the Faithful, which has been banned from meeting in most parishes by bishops skeptical of their motives, said recent revelations detailing the extent of the crisis left them with no choice but to publicly declare the archdiocese in need of new leadership.

“There is a state of spiritual and moral crisis in the Archdiocese of Boston,” said Jim Post, president of Voice of the Faithful. “In my judgment, the Archdiocese of Boston has effectively been without a bishop.”

Seventy-one people voted for the motion, two were opposed and two abstained. A motion calling on the pope to replace Law also passed by an overwhelming margin.

The vote at Our Lady Help of Christians in Newton follows the recent release of thousands of pages of archdiocese personnel files containing allegations that, in addition to molesting young boys, some priests abused drugs and had illicit affairs.

Voice of the Faithful’s action is significant because for months its leaders have resisted pressure from many members to demand Law’s resignation.

The fast-growing and controversial lay group hoped instead to work with Catholic officials for reform within the church. But now it sees no way around a confrontation with the Boston hierarchy.