Clergy sex group appeals to NYC Cardinal
“Parishioners are intimidating victims,” they say
SNAP to Egan: “Make Catholics take town ‘predator’s shrine’”
“Publicly praising pedophile priest is unhealthy,” self help group believes
Victims blast archdiocese for “moving slowly & secretly” in the recent case
In last 5 years, at least two pedophile priests worked at prominent Harlem parish
What:
At a Manhattan sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will blast New York Cardinal Edward Egan for
-- not disclosing the whereabouts of a high-profile, recently-suspended pedophile priest, and
-- letting parishioners erect a ‘shrine’ to the accused predator and make harsh public comments about his victims, creating an atmosphere that intimidates other victims into staying silent.
Later they will hand out fliers door-to-door in Harlem near a parish where the priest worked. (In recent weeks, he’s been accused of molesting at least ten boys). The leaflets urge Catholics to
-- ask everyone they know if they were molested by two pedophile priests who worked there,
-- urge victims and witnesses to call police and get independent help, and
-- defend their accused pastor privately, so other victims aren’t intimidated from speaking up
When:
TODAY, Tuesday, Oct.21
Where:
Noon – In Manhattan, outside archdiocesan chancery office, 1011 First Ave at 55th
2:00 p.m. - In Harlem, outside Church of St. Charles Borromeo, 211 W. 141st St. (near 7th Ave.)
Who:
Three men who were molested by priests (including a Harlem man victimized by this predator and a Missouri man who is the national director of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
Details:
Last month, the Manhattan DA’s office disclosed that ten men have now accused a high-profile, politically-connected priest, Msgr. Wallace A. Harris, of molesting them as kids. In August, the New York archdiocese suspended him from his post at St. Charles Borromeo.
At St. Charles, some parishioners have erected a ‘shrine’ to Harris, with signs on the fence outside the church expressing support for him. SNAP believes this is dangerous because it deters others who are being or have been molested from speaking up. It also rubs salt into the already deep and still fresh wounds of those Harris has already hurt. SNAP wants Egan to force parishioners to remove the ‘shrine.’
Harris has allegedly denied the charges but won’t speak publicly. He helped organize the Pope’s spring visit to New York, chairs the archdiocesan priests’ council, gave the invocation at Gov. Paterson's inauguration, and has been called ‘a rising star’ within the church.
SNAP feels the archdiocese moved too slowly and ‘severely mishandled’ the case. For the sake of public safety, the group wants Egan to disclose where Harris is living now.
Another priest assigned to the parish was convicted of molesting a 12-year-old girl in 2003, and sentenced to a prison term of four months, according to the NY Times.
The first Harris victim to speak publicly about his abuse is a former police officer, Eric Crumbley, who now pastors the Harlem Faith Center in NY (646) 552-7660).
Harris was ordained in 1972 and Crumbley’s allegations stem from that time period when Harris worked at the Church of St. Joseph of the Holy Family on 125th Street. Other accusations involve students at Cathedral Prep, where Harris taught. The school has since closed.
Contact:
David Clohessy of St. Louis MO SNAP national director (314) 566-9790
Bob Hoatsen 862 368 2800, Barbara Dorris, SNAP outreach director (314) 862 7688
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
SNAP 10-20-08 to Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison Concerning Fr. Gerald Vosen
CONTACT: Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director, 414.429.7259
October 20, 2008
To: Robert Morlino, Bishop of Madison
From: Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director
Re: Father Gerald Vosen
I am writing to you on behalf of victims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy in Wisconsin and from your diocese to release the church file of Fr. Gerald Vosen.
As you know, hundreds of files of priests determined by their bishops to have sexually abused children have been released across the United States. Some of those files have been made public by court order, others have been voluntarily released. Almost universally, the release of these documents have been the single most effective means of protecting children and the vulnerable from clergy and former clergy that have a history of child molestation.
When a teacher, psychologist, medical doctor or any other of the dozens of licensed and certified professions in the state of Wisconsin is found by his professional board to have committed ethical and especially criminal misconduct, the results of that investigation, including the revocation of his or her license, is publicized and the ruling and evidence is readily available, including being posted online by the State Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Given the recent and very public denials of criminal behavior against minors by one of your priests, Fr. Gerald Vosen, isn’t it time for the diocese to follow the example of all other professions working in civil society to publish the evidence and rulings that have been concluded against Fr. Vosen? These would include the results of two church investigations and one civil jury trial. In my long experience working on the issue of clergy sexual abuse I have rarely seen a priest receive so many abundant and ample opportunities for due process. He has argued his case before a lay review board, canon law judges, and jury of his peers.
You have exercised extraordinary deference to Fr. Vosen. If he was a member of any other profession, his license would have been revoked years ago, he would not be receiving benefits, and he could not maintain the public use of his professional title or credentials.
In Vosen’s recently published book, he attacks your integrity, impartiality and most significantly, your apostolic authority—an astonishing claim, especially given how you have permitted him to sue one of his victims in civil court (a case he nevertheless lost before a jury of his peers) and was given a full and complete hearing, with legal representation, before a lay board and clerical court. Vosen, in his book, indicates that he is in some kind of regular and presumably pastoral contact with parishioners from past assignments. One can also presume that this means children and families. These individuals, especially, need to see the content and results of your many investigations. They need to see, properly redacted to protect the confidentiality of victims and witnesses, as is standard in these releases, why you are convinced that Vosen is a child molester and so dangerous that you will not permit him to practice ministry as a priest or publically present himself as a priest. But that appears to be exactly what Vosen is now doing.
Our organization has often been at odds with you and your fellow bishops on how the hierarchy has handled abusive priests. In his book, Vosen claims that you, SNAP, jurors, canon law judges, and lay Catholics on your review board are in some kind of “allegiance” against him. This appears to be the one truthful statement in his book, except that we are not in an allegiance against him—a ridiculously narcissist and self-serving claim—but in an allegiance for children and against child abuse.
Perhaps, unwittingly, Fr. Vosen has brought us together for a dialogue, and to that end I ask you again, as we have several times in the past, to sit down with our organization and survivors from the Madison diocese.
Sincerely,
Peter Isely
SNAP Midwest Director
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
414.429.7259
peterisely@yahoo.com
Mary Geuntner
SNAP Wisconsin Director
414.418.3191
megmeg@execpc.com
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is the nation’s oldest and largest self-help organization of clergy sex abuse survivors with over 8,000 members in 62 chapters (SNAPnetwork.org).
October 20, 2008
To: Robert Morlino, Bishop of Madison
From: Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director
Re: Father Gerald Vosen
I am writing to you on behalf of victims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy in Wisconsin and from your diocese to release the church file of Fr. Gerald Vosen.
As you know, hundreds of files of priests determined by their bishops to have sexually abused children have been released across the United States. Some of those files have been made public by court order, others have been voluntarily released. Almost universally, the release of these documents have been the single most effective means of protecting children and the vulnerable from clergy and former clergy that have a history of child molestation.
When a teacher, psychologist, medical doctor or any other of the dozens of licensed and certified professions in the state of Wisconsin is found by his professional board to have committed ethical and especially criminal misconduct, the results of that investigation, including the revocation of his or her license, is publicized and the ruling and evidence is readily available, including being posted online by the State Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Given the recent and very public denials of criminal behavior against minors by one of your priests, Fr. Gerald Vosen, isn’t it time for the diocese to follow the example of all other professions working in civil society to publish the evidence and rulings that have been concluded against Fr. Vosen? These would include the results of two church investigations and one civil jury trial. In my long experience working on the issue of clergy sexual abuse I have rarely seen a priest receive so many abundant and ample opportunities for due process. He has argued his case before a lay review board, canon law judges, and jury of his peers.
You have exercised extraordinary deference to Fr. Vosen. If he was a member of any other profession, his license would have been revoked years ago, he would not be receiving benefits, and he could not maintain the public use of his professional title or credentials.
In Vosen’s recently published book, he attacks your integrity, impartiality and most significantly, your apostolic authority—an astonishing claim, especially given how you have permitted him to sue one of his victims in civil court (a case he nevertheless lost before a jury of his peers) and was given a full and complete hearing, with legal representation, before a lay board and clerical court. Vosen, in his book, indicates that he is in some kind of regular and presumably pastoral contact with parishioners from past assignments. One can also presume that this means children and families. These individuals, especially, need to see the content and results of your many investigations. They need to see, properly redacted to protect the confidentiality of victims and witnesses, as is standard in these releases, why you are convinced that Vosen is a child molester and so dangerous that you will not permit him to practice ministry as a priest or publically present himself as a priest. But that appears to be exactly what Vosen is now doing.
Our organization has often been at odds with you and your fellow bishops on how the hierarchy has handled abusive priests. In his book, Vosen claims that you, SNAP, jurors, canon law judges, and lay Catholics on your review board are in some kind of “allegiance” against him. This appears to be the one truthful statement in his book, except that we are not in an allegiance against him—a ridiculously narcissist and self-serving claim—but in an allegiance for children and against child abuse.
Perhaps, unwittingly, Fr. Vosen has brought us together for a dialogue, and to that end I ask you again, as we have several times in the past, to sit down with our organization and survivors from the Madison diocese.
Sincerely,
Peter Isely
SNAP Midwest Director
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
414.429.7259
peterisely@yahoo.com
Mary Geuntner
SNAP Wisconsin Director
414.418.3191
megmeg@execpc.com
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is the nation’s oldest and largest self-help organization of clergy sex abuse survivors with over 8,000 members in 62 chapters (SNAPnetwork.org).
Statement by SNAP regarding priest who molested teen returning
For immediate release:
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
This is stunning recklessness and deceit by Cardinal George. He's essentially thumbing his nose at parents, victims, children, and the 'zero tolerance' policy adopted by America's bishops five years ago.
Hiding and tolerating pedophile priests in Chicago is bad enough. But importing pedophile priests from elsewhere, especially secretly, is even worse.
It's absurd and insulting that George can't find a qualified lay person or non-pedophile priest anywhere in the country to fill this role.
Whether Martin comes to Chicago seven times or 70 times is irrelevant. George is gambling with kids' lives. He's also rubbing salt into already deep and still fresh wounds of Chicago Catholics who are still reeling from his dangerous deception and callousness with Fr. McCormack, Fr. Bennett, Fr. McGuire, and so many other predators.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
This is stunning recklessness and deceit by Cardinal George. He's essentially thumbing his nose at parents, victims, children, and the 'zero tolerance' policy adopted by America's bishops five years ago.
Hiding and tolerating pedophile priests in Chicago is bad enough. But importing pedophile priests from elsewhere, especially secretly, is even worse.
It's absurd and insulting that George can't find a qualified lay person or non-pedophile priest anywhere in the country to fill this role.
Whether Martin comes to Chicago seven times or 70 times is irrelevant. George is gambling with kids' lives. He's also rubbing salt into already deep and still fresh wounds of Chicago Catholics who are still reeling from his dangerous deception and callousness with Fr. McCormack, Fr. Bennett, Fr. McGuire, and so many other predators.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
In unusual move, clergy abuse victims group defends Madison bishop
In unusual move, clergy abuse victims group defends Madison bishop
Molester priest charges Morlino, SNAP in "twisted alliance
Publicaly attacks Morlino in new book
SNAP says public needs to see Fr. Gerald Vosen’s file
WHO
After a brief sidewalk remarks, Wisconsin leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including its long time Midwest Director, will attempt to hand deliver a letter to Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison urging a more forceful response to published attacks against him, the diocese, and sex abuse victims published over the weekend in a new book by priest sex offender, Fr. Gerald Vosen.
WHERE
Headquarters of the Madison Catholic diocese, 702 South High Point Road, Madison
WHEN
Monday, October 20th, 1:30 p.m. 702
WHY
I an unusual move, a national organization of clergy abuse victims is defending a Catholic bishop from public attacks by an abusive priest.
Over the weekend, in published accounts which are in direct violation of Catholic canon law and Vatican directives, Fr. Gerald Vosen is openly assailing his bishop, the diocese of Madison and clergy abuse victims and families in a new book (http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/310146).
Vosen, in the book, writes that he “believes” he has “never abused anyone.”
Vosen insists that all of his accusers are lying, a civil jury which ruled against him misguided, and a church lay review board that found him guilty collusive. But Vosen saves his harshest criticism for Morlino, which he describes as “gleeful” to remove him from the priesthood and in a “twisted” alliance with SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation’s oldest and largest clergy sexual abuse self-help group.
In fact, SNAP has been mostly critical of Morlino’s treatment of sex abuse victims, his secrecy concerning abusive priests, and his lobbying efforts with Wisconsin lawmakers to oppose sex abuse legislation and reform.
In 2003, Vosen was removed from ministry by Morlino, including any public presentation of himself as a priest. Since that time, according to Morlino’s spokesman, two other victims and seven witnesses alleging abuse by Vosen have come forward to the diocese.
In 2005, in an unprecedented move, Vosen filed a civil defamation suit against—not his bishop—but one of his victims. SNAP blasted Morleno at the time for refusing to defend Vosen’s victim and renounce the defamation suit. After four days of testimony, a Janesville jury found against Vosen.
In 2007 a lay review board for the Madison diocese determined the allegations against Vosen to be credible. Vosen has appealed his case to the Vatican.
Victims, along with defending Morlino, will be urging him in a letter Monday to release Vosen’s file to the public, assure victims and witnesses that they need not be intimidated by priests such as Vosen and to come forward to civil authorities concerning any suspected child abuse, and to reconsider his opposition to the Wisconsin Child Victims Act, legislation introduced last term which would reform the state’s child sex abuse statutes.
CONTACT
Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director, 414.429.78259
John Pilmaier, SNAP Wisconsin, 414.336.8575
Mary Guentner, SNAP Wisconsin Co-Director, 414.418.3191
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is the nation’s oldest and largest self-help organization of clergy sex abuse survivors with over 8,000 members in 62 chapters (SNAPnetwork.org).
Molester priest charges Morlino, SNAP in "twisted alliance
Publicaly attacks Morlino in new book
SNAP says public needs to see Fr. Gerald Vosen’s file
WHO
After a brief sidewalk remarks, Wisconsin leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including its long time Midwest Director, will attempt to hand deliver a letter to Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison urging a more forceful response to published attacks against him, the diocese, and sex abuse victims published over the weekend in a new book by priest sex offender, Fr. Gerald Vosen.
WHERE
Headquarters of the Madison Catholic diocese, 702 South High Point Road, Madison
WHEN
Monday, October 20th, 1:30 p.m. 702
WHY
I an unusual move, a national organization of clergy abuse victims is defending a Catholic bishop from public attacks by an abusive priest.
Over the weekend, in published accounts which are in direct violation of Catholic canon law and Vatican directives, Fr. Gerald Vosen is openly assailing his bishop, the diocese of Madison and clergy abuse victims and families in a new book (http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/310146).
Vosen, in the book, writes that he “believes” he has “never abused anyone.”
Vosen insists that all of his accusers are lying, a civil jury which ruled against him misguided, and a church lay review board that found him guilty collusive. But Vosen saves his harshest criticism for Morlino, which he describes as “gleeful” to remove him from the priesthood and in a “twisted” alliance with SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation’s oldest and largest clergy sexual abuse self-help group.
In fact, SNAP has been mostly critical of Morlino’s treatment of sex abuse victims, his secrecy concerning abusive priests, and his lobbying efforts with Wisconsin lawmakers to oppose sex abuse legislation and reform.
In 2003, Vosen was removed from ministry by Morlino, including any public presentation of himself as a priest. Since that time, according to Morlino’s spokesman, two other victims and seven witnesses alleging abuse by Vosen have come forward to the diocese.
In 2005, in an unprecedented move, Vosen filed a civil defamation suit against—not his bishop—but one of his victims. SNAP blasted Morleno at the time for refusing to defend Vosen’s victim and renounce the defamation suit. After four days of testimony, a Janesville jury found against Vosen.
In 2007 a lay review board for the Madison diocese determined the allegations against Vosen to be credible. Vosen has appealed his case to the Vatican.
Victims, along with defending Morlino, will be urging him in a letter Monday to release Vosen’s file to the public, assure victims and witnesses that they need not be intimidated by priests such as Vosen and to come forward to civil authorities concerning any suspected child abuse, and to reconsider his opposition to the Wisconsin Child Victims Act, legislation introduced last term which would reform the state’s child sex abuse statutes.
CONTACT
Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director, 414.429.78259
John Pilmaier, SNAP Wisconsin, 414.336.8575
Mary Guentner, SNAP Wisconsin Co-Director, 414.418.3191
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is the nation’s oldest and largest self-help organization of clergy sex abuse survivors with over 8,000 members in 62 chapters (SNAPnetwork.org).
Sex abuse victims to leaflet at cathedral in Chicago
Sex abuse victims to leaflet at cathedral
George ‘importing’ convicted predator is 'new low', SNAP says
The Pope defrocks pedophile, but Chicago’s cardinal quietly hires him
Top Catholic official secretly reverses his 2003 pledge to never bring criminal back here
For first time ever, SNAP urges parishioners to write the Pope complaining about George
WHAT
As mass ends, clergy sex abuse victims will hand out fliers to parishioners about a newly-defrocked convicted, pedophile priest who is now working in Chicago again.
The leaflets urge Catholics to
-- call the archdiocese and complain about the predator’s return,
-- write the Pope about the Cardinal’s continuing recklessness, and
-- work harder than ever, in their own parishes, to seek out others who saw, suspected, or suffered clergy sex crimes and get them to call therapists and police
WHEN
Sunday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE
Outside Holy Name Cathedral (corner of State & Superior) in Chicago
WHO
Several clergy sex abuse victims and family members who are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
WHY
Today, the Sun Times disclosed that a controversial, convicted child-molesting clergyman is back in Chicago, working again for Cardinal Francis George, even though George was forced to oust him after media attention and public outrage in 2003.
That year, news accounts revealed that Fr. Kenneth J. Martin, originally from the Diocese of Wilmington, Del., was living in George’s mansion one week each month and working as a “liturgy expert” in the Chicago archdiocese. George was severely criticized because just six months earlier, America’s bishops adopted an allegedly ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward clergy sex crimes.
Since then, SNAP contends, George has repeatedly defied that policy, yet seen his stature rise in the church hierarchy. George, now president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, reluctantly voted for zero tolerance six years ago, only after repeatedly and publicly arguing for a more lenient policy, which appears to be what he has practiced in Chicago.
In 2003, George publicly pledged that Martin "won't be coming back to Chicago."
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/religion/1229064,CST-NWS-martin19.article
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president 312 399 4747
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis SNAP Outreach Director 314 503 0003 cell
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home)
George ‘importing’ convicted predator is 'new low', SNAP says
The Pope defrocks pedophile, but Chicago’s cardinal quietly hires him
Top Catholic official secretly reverses his 2003 pledge to never bring criminal back here
For first time ever, SNAP urges parishioners to write the Pope complaining about George
WHAT
As mass ends, clergy sex abuse victims will hand out fliers to parishioners about a newly-defrocked convicted, pedophile priest who is now working in Chicago again.
The leaflets urge Catholics to
-- call the archdiocese and complain about the predator’s return,
-- write the Pope about the Cardinal’s continuing recklessness, and
-- work harder than ever, in their own parishes, to seek out others who saw, suspected, or suffered clergy sex crimes and get them to call therapists and police
WHEN
Sunday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE
Outside Holy Name Cathedral (corner of State & Superior) in Chicago
WHO
Several clergy sex abuse victims and family members who are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)
WHY
Today, the Sun Times disclosed that a controversial, convicted child-molesting clergyman is back in Chicago, working again for Cardinal Francis George, even though George was forced to oust him after media attention and public outrage in 2003.
That year, news accounts revealed that Fr. Kenneth J. Martin, originally from the Diocese of Wilmington, Del., was living in George’s mansion one week each month and working as a “liturgy expert” in the Chicago archdiocese. George was severely criticized because just six months earlier, America’s bishops adopted an allegedly ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward clergy sex crimes.
Since then, SNAP contends, George has repeatedly defied that policy, yet seen his stature rise in the church hierarchy. George, now president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, reluctantly voted for zero tolerance six years ago, only after repeatedly and publicly arguing for a more lenient policy, which appears to be what he has practiced in Chicago.
In 2003, George publicly pledged that Martin "won't be coming back to Chicago."
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/religion/1229064,CST-NWS-martin19.article
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president 312 399 4747
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis SNAP Outreach Director 314 503 0003 cell
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Unprecedented lawsuits target Pope’s US representative & USCCB; Sex abuse victims respond
For immediate release:
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Unprecedented lawsuits target Pope's US representative & USCCB; Sex abuse victims respond
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
Today is the six month anniversary of the Pope's visit to America. When the Pope was here last spring, he repeatedly brought up the church's on-going clergy sex abuse and cover up crisis. He made some compassionate remarks. But he also issued some clear directives. One of them still rings in our ears. The full church, but especially bishops, he said, should "do everything possible" to help victims heal.
That's a direct quote: "do everything possible" to help victims heal.
American bishops either weren't listening or don't care what the Pope says. Because over the past six months, we've seen virtually no change in bishops' behavior and no additional efforts to help victims heal.
In fact, in the legal arena, we've seen more aggressive efforts to dodge blame, avoid accountability, and attack victims, rather than help victims.
We're troubled, for example, by what we saw last week in Davenport Iowa. A bankruptcy trustee took unprecedented legal action that may force top Catholic officials to return more than $200,000 to this country.
Lawsuits filed late last week charge that money was perhaps improperly sent to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Vatican's US representative. The Davenport diocese made the payments in the fall of 2006 leading up to its bankruptcy filing stemming from more than 100 clergy sex abuse and cover up lawsuits.
Church officials have two choices. They can do what bishops have historically and consistently done – further delay healing, hire more lawyers, spend more money and fight this move. Or they can obey the Pope, chart a new course, and voluntarily return the disputed funds now, instead of waiting to do so when ordered by a judge.
The first course guarantees more resentment and suspicion and wasted money, (money donated by generous parishioners). The second course guarantees more healing and confidence and faith in the church hierarchy.
Besides, who needs and deserves those funds more? Distraught and wounded Iowa Catholics? Distraught and wounded Iowa victims? Or high level church bureaucrats? We submit the first two groups are hurting because of the misdeeds of the last group. Catholics and victims need consideration and relief, while high level church bureaucrats need to honor the Pope's wishes.
We're not bankruptcy lawyers or financial experts. We don't know whether these payments were fraudulent or deceptive or illegal. That's for the court to determine.
Here's what we DO know:
- We know that Davenport church authorities have long been deceptive regarding child sex abuse cases and cover ups.
- We know that other US bishops have been accused of steps to hide and protect financial assets, instead of vulnerable children (most notably San Diego and Spokane).
- We know that appearances matter, and that when top church officials hire expensive lawyers to help them exploit every available legal loophole to escape accountability and transparency and responsibility for horrific crimes, it's disillusioning to Catholics and hurtful to victims.
"Doing everything possible" to help victims doesn't mean launching or prolonging hard ball legal struggles. It doesn't mean ducking and dodging responsibility. It doesn't mean scheming to out-fox judges and court officials. It doesn't mean feigning poverty when victims seek justice.
We implore US bishops, especially Davenport's bishop, to search their consciences, reflect on the Pope's words, voluntarily move forward toward justice, healing and prevention, instead of being forced – by persistent victims, frustrated prosecutors, irritated judges and outraged Catholics – to do what's right.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 19 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact:
David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Unprecedented lawsuits target Pope's US representative & USCCB; Sex abuse victims respond
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
Today is the six month anniversary of the Pope's visit to America. When the Pope was here last spring, he repeatedly brought up the church's on-going clergy sex abuse and cover up crisis. He made some compassionate remarks. But he also issued some clear directives. One of them still rings in our ears. The full church, but especially bishops, he said, should "do everything possible" to help victims heal.
That's a direct quote: "do everything possible" to help victims heal.
American bishops either weren't listening or don't care what the Pope says. Because over the past six months, we've seen virtually no change in bishops' behavior and no additional efforts to help victims heal.
In fact, in the legal arena, we've seen more aggressive efforts to dodge blame, avoid accountability, and attack victims, rather than help victims.
We're troubled, for example, by what we saw last week in Davenport Iowa. A bankruptcy trustee took unprecedented legal action that may force top Catholic officials to return more than $200,000 to this country.
Lawsuits filed late last week charge that money was perhaps improperly sent to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Vatican's US representative. The Davenport diocese made the payments in the fall of 2006 leading up to its bankruptcy filing stemming from more than 100 clergy sex abuse and cover up lawsuits.
Church officials have two choices. They can do what bishops have historically and consistently done – further delay healing, hire more lawyers, spend more money and fight this move. Or they can obey the Pope, chart a new course, and voluntarily return the disputed funds now, instead of waiting to do so when ordered by a judge.
The first course guarantees more resentment and suspicion and wasted money, (money donated by generous parishioners). The second course guarantees more healing and confidence and faith in the church hierarchy.
Besides, who needs and deserves those funds more? Distraught and wounded Iowa Catholics? Distraught and wounded Iowa victims? Or high level church bureaucrats? We submit the first two groups are hurting because of the misdeeds of the last group. Catholics and victims need consideration and relief, while high level church bureaucrats need to honor the Pope's wishes.
We're not bankruptcy lawyers or financial experts. We don't know whether these payments were fraudulent or deceptive or illegal. That's for the court to determine.
Here's what we DO know:
- We know that Davenport church authorities have long been deceptive regarding child sex abuse cases and cover ups.
- We know that other US bishops have been accused of steps to hide and protect financial assets, instead of vulnerable children (most notably San Diego and Spokane).
- We know that appearances matter, and that when top church officials hire expensive lawyers to help them exploit every available legal loophole to escape accountability and transparency and responsibility for horrific crimes, it's disillusioning to Catholics and hurtful to victims.
"Doing everything possible" to help victims doesn't mean launching or prolonging hard ball legal struggles. It doesn't mean ducking and dodging responsibility. It doesn't mean scheming to out-fox judges and court officials. It doesn't mean feigning poverty when victims seek justice.
We implore US bishops, especially Davenport's bishop, to search their consciences, reflect on the Pope's words, voluntarily move forward toward justice, healing and prevention, instead of being forced – by persistent victims, frustrated prosecutors, irritated judges and outraged Catholics – to do what's right.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 19 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact:
David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
First-ever lawsuits seek money back from Pope's US rep & all US bishops
First-ever lawsuits seek money back from Pope's US rep & all US bishops
They charge that prelate may have deceptively ‘dumped cash’ to pay victims less
SNAP wants church officials to voluntarily return disputed funds as “sign of good faith”
Abuse group makes plea on the six month anniversary of Pope’s springtime visit to DC & NY
American church authorities ignore papal plea to “help victims heal,” self-help organization says
WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will
-- announce and discuss an unprecedented legal action that may force top Catholic officials to return more than $200,000, and
-- urge those officials to voluntarily return the disputed funds, instead of fighting the request.
On the six month anniversary of the Pope’s visit to America, they will also blast
-- US church leaders for ignoring the Pope’s plea to “do everything possible” to heal victims, and
-- an Iowa bishop for “legal maneuvering” designed to reduce payments to dozens of sex abuse victims.
WHEN
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1:45 p.m.
WHERE
Outside the Papal Nuncio, (Vatican Embassy) 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, in Washington DC
WHO
Several sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) including an Illinois woman who is the group’s founder and president.
WHY
For first time ever, legal action is being taken to get more than $200,000 back from two DC-based Catholic institutions. Lawsuits filed late last week charge that money was allegedly sent, fraudulently and deceptively, to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Vatican’s US representative. The Davenport diocese made the payments in the fall of 2006 on the eve of its bankruptcy filing stemming from more than 100 clergy sex abuse and cover up lawsuits.
Davenport sent at least $135,800 to the USCCB and nearly $73,000 to the Vatican’s papal nuncio.
The suits were filed by bankruptcy trustee Robert Berger with the cooperation of attorneys Pat Noaker (651 227 9990, 612 817 8665 cell) and Craig Levien (563 326 4491, 563 349 2180 cell), who represent dozens of victims in Iowa.
Rather than delaying justice, challenging the move, spending thousands in lawyers’ fees, and waiting for a judge’s order to comply, SNAP wants the USCCB and papal nuncio to voluntarily, as a ‘sign of good faith,’ return the funds.
Exactly six months ago, the Pope set foot in the US. He repeatedly expressed compassion for abuse victims and directed US bishops to “do everything possible” to help victims heal. But SNAP reports that American bishops have done nothing to honor the Holy Father’s wishes and changed nothing about their continued mishandling of clergy sex abuse cases and cover up.
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/10/10/news/local/doc48f0123f012dd800983555.txt?sPos=3
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP Founder and President (312) 399 4747
Becky Ianni of Burke VA, SNAP Northern Virginia Director (703) 801 6044
David Clohessy of St. Louis SNAP National Director (314) 566 9790 (SNAPclohessy@aol.com)
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Coordinator (314) 862 7688 home, (314) 503 0003 cell
They charge that prelate may have deceptively ‘dumped cash’ to pay victims less
SNAP wants church officials to voluntarily return disputed funds as “sign of good faith”
Abuse group makes plea on the six month anniversary of Pope’s springtime visit to DC & NY
American church authorities ignore papal plea to “help victims heal,” self-help organization says
WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will
-- announce and discuss an unprecedented legal action that may force top Catholic officials to return more than $200,000, and
-- urge those officials to voluntarily return the disputed funds, instead of fighting the request.
On the six month anniversary of the Pope’s visit to America, they will also blast
-- US church leaders for ignoring the Pope’s plea to “do everything possible” to heal victims, and
-- an Iowa bishop for “legal maneuvering” designed to reduce payments to dozens of sex abuse victims.
WHEN
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 1:45 p.m.
WHERE
Outside the Papal Nuncio, (Vatican Embassy) 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, in Washington DC
WHO
Several sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) including an Illinois woman who is the group’s founder and president.
WHY
For first time ever, legal action is being taken to get more than $200,000 back from two DC-based Catholic institutions. Lawsuits filed late last week charge that money was allegedly sent, fraudulently and deceptively, to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Vatican’s US representative. The Davenport diocese made the payments in the fall of 2006 on the eve of its bankruptcy filing stemming from more than 100 clergy sex abuse and cover up lawsuits.
Davenport sent at least $135,800 to the USCCB and nearly $73,000 to the Vatican’s papal nuncio.
The suits were filed by bankruptcy trustee Robert Berger with the cooperation of attorneys Pat Noaker (651 227 9990, 612 817 8665 cell) and Craig Levien (563 326 4491, 563 349 2180 cell), who represent dozens of victims in Iowa.
Rather than delaying justice, challenging the move, spending thousands in lawyers’ fees, and waiting for a judge’s order to comply, SNAP wants the USCCB and papal nuncio to voluntarily, as a ‘sign of good faith,’ return the funds.
Exactly six months ago, the Pope set foot in the US. He repeatedly expressed compassion for abuse victims and directed US bishops to “do everything possible” to help victims heal. But SNAP reports that American bishops have done nothing to honor the Holy Father’s wishes and changed nothing about their continued mishandling of clergy sex abuse cases and cover up.
http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/10/10/news/local/doc48f0123f012dd800983555.txt?sPos=3
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP Founder and President (312) 399 4747
Becky Ianni of Burke VA, SNAP Northern Virginia Director (703) 801 6044
David Clohessy of St. Louis SNAP National Director (314) 566 9790 (SNAPclohessy@aol.com)
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Coordinator (314) 862 7688 home, (314) 503 0003 cell
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A second victim of alleged predator priest comes forward
For immediate release: Tuesday, Oct. 14
A second victim of alleged predator priest comes forward
First victim of pedophile priest speaks publicly for first time
Self help group posts her ten minute video presentation on line
For now, grand jury declines to prosecute the alleged predator
Both women beg others who’ve been hurt to “overcome paralysis” & come forward
“When we break our silence, healing, justice, closure & prevention happen,” they say
A second women is reporting that she was molested as a child by a Steubenville Catholic priest, while a former Guernsey county woman has posted on line a ten minute video describing her childhood victimization by the cleric.
And even though a grand jury recently declined to prosecute the priest, the two women are hopeful that other victims and witnesses of his crimes will surface soon.
Earlier this month, the Guernsey County jurors opted to not charge Fr. Gary Zalenski with child molestation based on the testimony of Beth Rocker. In January 2008, Rocker filed a police report saying Zalenski molested her several places, including at Seneca Lake on his pontoon boat in 1991.
“I feel so much better having broken my silence, and I want to do whatever I can to help others do the same,” said Rocker. “I also want to safeguard others from Zalenski so they won’t be hurt like I’ve been hurt.”
Judy Jones, SNAP director southeastern Ohio, says she has met with a second victim of Zalenski.
"Like Beth, this woman is very brave,” Jones said, "She filed a report in 1991 which was the reason that Zalenski was removed from active ministry at that time, so there must have been good cause to believe these allegations or the diocese would not have taken action."
The second victim isn’t speaking publicly now, Jones says, but she and the victims are very disappointed the grand jury did not indict Fr. Zalenski.
"We believe he is a dangerous man," Jones said.
Jones is urging Steubenville area Catholics to watch Rocker’s video.
“It doesn’t hurt to hear all sides,” she said. “I think even the handful who believe Zalenski will have second thoughts.”
Rocker’s video is posted at SteubenvilleTruth.org
CONTACT:
Judy Jones of St. Louis SNAP, SNAP Steubenville co-director, 636 433 2511
Helen Schoeppner, SNAP Steubenville co-director, 740 568 0024
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home
A second victim of alleged predator priest comes forward
First victim of pedophile priest speaks publicly for first time
Self help group posts her ten minute video presentation on line
For now, grand jury declines to prosecute the alleged predator
Both women beg others who’ve been hurt to “overcome paralysis” & come forward
“When we break our silence, healing, justice, closure & prevention happen,” they say
A second women is reporting that she was molested as a child by a Steubenville Catholic priest, while a former Guernsey county woman has posted on line a ten minute video describing her childhood victimization by the cleric.
And even though a grand jury recently declined to prosecute the priest, the two women are hopeful that other victims and witnesses of his crimes will surface soon.
Earlier this month, the Guernsey County jurors opted to not charge Fr. Gary Zalenski with child molestation based on the testimony of Beth Rocker. In January 2008, Rocker filed a police report saying Zalenski molested her several places, including at Seneca Lake on his pontoon boat in 1991.
“I feel so much better having broken my silence, and I want to do whatever I can to help others do the same,” said Rocker. “I also want to safeguard others from Zalenski so they won’t be hurt like I’ve been hurt.”
Judy Jones, SNAP director southeastern Ohio, says she has met with a second victim of Zalenski.
"Like Beth, this woman is very brave,” Jones said, "She filed a report in 1991 which was the reason that Zalenski was removed from active ministry at that time, so there must have been good cause to believe these allegations or the diocese would not have taken action."
The second victim isn’t speaking publicly now, Jones says, but she and the victims are very disappointed the grand jury did not indict Fr. Zalenski.
"We believe he is a dangerous man," Jones said.
Jones is urging Steubenville area Catholics to watch Rocker’s video.
“It doesn’t hurt to hear all sides,” she said. “I think even the handful who believe Zalenski will have second thoughts.”
Rocker’s video is posted at SteubenvilleTruth.org
CONTACT:
Judy Jones of St. Louis SNAP, SNAP Steubenville co-director, 636 433 2511
Helen Schoeppner, SNAP Steubenville co-director, 740 568 0024
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Death of SNAP leaders
October 12, 2008
Dear Friends,
We have some very sad news to share with you. Last week a long time SNAP leader, Bob Swart of Saint Louis, died peacefully surrounded by old and dear friends after a brave battle with cancer. Bob has been a SNAP member and leader almost from the beginning and will be remembered for his pony tail, his infectious laugh, his Hawaiian shirts and his willingness to help anyone.
We also learned that David Brien of New Orleans had died. David was truly a Southern gentleman, always ready to lend a hand, listen to a survivor, find resources to help fellow survivors, share a story to make you laugh on a bad day and always ready to have a good time. We will miss his smiling face.
Bob and David will be missed but they will always be in our hearts and memories.
Barbara, David and Barbara
Thursday, October 9, 2008
New child sex abuse case against Mother Theresa’s ‘confessor’ starts
For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 9
For more information: Barbara Blaine 312 399 4747
New child sex abuse case against Mother Theresa's 'confessor' starts
Convicted pedophile priest molested teen "almost continuously" for a year
High profile cleric now faces federal charges; Opening arguments are today 9:30 a.m.
Jesuits knew about nationally known predator as far back as 1969 yet kept him in ministry
Opening arguments are expected to start tomorrow in a criminal trial against an already-convicted pedophile priest who is the nation's most high profile child molesting Catholic clergyman.
The is a federal case being held in Courtroom 2119 (at the Dirksen Federal Bldg- corner of Jackson and Dearborn) in front of Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer.
Fr. Donald J. McGuire is a defrocked Jesuit who has been Mother Teresa's spiritual advisor, spoken at hundreds of schools, churches and retreats across the globe. He is also the most high-profile Catholic priest to ever be convicted for sexually abusing kids.
McGuire is facing trial and charged with traveling to Switzerland and Austria to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is represented by attorney Stephen Komie.
In Feb. 2006, McGuire was found guilty of molesting two other boys on trips to Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Those victims testified that they were also repeatedly abused by McGuire at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, where they were students and where McGuire taught from 1965-70.
Prosecutors in Maricopa County (Phoenix AZ) have also filed criminal charges against McGuire for molesting two brothers there between 1998 and 2002.
At least two civil molestation suits against McGuire and the Jesuits have been settled. The victims were represented by St. Paul MN attorney Jeff Anderson (651 227 9990, 612 817 8665 cell).
According to church records, in 1999, McGuire began living with and molesting and living with a different teenager at Canisius House in Evanston. McGuire repeatedly abused the youngster until a different boy filed a civil molestation lawsuit against the priest and the Jesuits in 2003.
McGuire, an Oak Park native now in his 70s, was finally defrocked in February, even though his Jesuit supervisors received repeated reports of his crimes as far back as the 1960s.
"While McGuire is finally facing tough questions in court about his crimes, his Jesuit bosses have apparently succeeded in escaping consequences for covering up McGuire's crimes," said Barbara Blaine, founder and president of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org).
Contact: SNAP National Director, David Clohessy, 314 566 9790
For more information: Barbara Blaine 312 399 4747
New child sex abuse case against Mother Theresa's 'confessor' starts
Convicted pedophile priest molested teen "almost continuously" for a year
High profile cleric now faces federal charges; Opening arguments are today 9:30 a.m.
Jesuits knew about nationally known predator as far back as 1969 yet kept him in ministry
Opening arguments are expected to start tomorrow in a criminal trial against an already-convicted pedophile priest who is the nation's most high profile child molesting Catholic clergyman.
The is a federal case being held in Courtroom 2119 (at the Dirksen Federal Bldg- corner of Jackson and Dearborn) in front of Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer.
Fr. Donald J. McGuire is a defrocked Jesuit who has been Mother Teresa's spiritual advisor, spoken at hundreds of schools, churches and retreats across the globe. He is also the most high-profile Catholic priest to ever be convicted for sexually abusing kids.
McGuire is facing trial and charged with traveling to Switzerland and Austria to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is represented by attorney Stephen Komie.
In Feb. 2006, McGuire was found guilty of molesting two other boys on trips to Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Those victims testified that they were also repeatedly abused by McGuire at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, where they were students and where McGuire taught from 1965-70.
Prosecutors in Maricopa County (Phoenix AZ) have also filed criminal charges against McGuire for molesting two brothers there between 1998 and 2002.
At least two civil molestation suits against McGuire and the Jesuits have been settled. The victims were represented by St. Paul MN attorney Jeff Anderson (651 227 9990, 612 817 8665 cell).
According to church records, in 1999, McGuire began living with and molesting and living with a different teenager at Canisius House in Evanston. McGuire repeatedly abused the youngster until a different boy filed a civil molestation lawsuit against the priest and the Jesuits in 2003.
McGuire, an Oak Park native now in his 70s, was finally defrocked in February, even though his Jesuit supervisors received repeated reports of his crimes as far back as the 1960s.
"While McGuire is finally facing tough questions in court about his crimes, his Jesuit bosses have apparently succeeded in escaping consequences for covering up McGuire's crimes," said Barbara Blaine, founder and president of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org).
Contact: SNAP National Director, David Clohessy, 314 566 9790
Friday, October 3, 2008
Episcopal bishop defrocked in cover-up
For immediate release: Friday, October 3, 2008
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
We believe this is a first in US history: a clergyman defrocked for concealing a pedophile priest's crimes. We believe it should happen far more often.
This long overdue but crucial move sends a strong signal to Episcopalian officials: child sex abuse should be reported and disclosed, not minimized and hidden. More importantly, it sends the message that you will be punished, not promoted, for covering up for criminal colleagues. If this signal had ever been sent in the Catholic hierarchy, perhaps thousands of kids and their families would have been spared devastating pain.
Unacknowledged wounds rarely heal, so we hope this important validation can help those so deeply wounded by the Bennison brothers to recover from the horrific betrayal they've experienced. We commend them for being brave and wise enough to come forward, speak up, cooperate with authorities, and expose both a dangerous child molester and a corrupt church supervisor. Episcopalian families are safer and Episcopalian churches are healthier because of these courageous victims.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
*****
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6430084#bodyText
Episcopal bishop defrocked in cover-up
Friday, October 03, 2008 | 12:41 PM
Charles E. Bennison Jr. was formally "inhibited" by the diocese and was ordered to "cease all episcopal, ministerial and canonical acts." The church indictment, called a presentment, charges that Bennison reacted "passively and self-protectively" and "failed to take obvious, essential steps to investigate his brother's actions, protect the girl from further abuse, and find out whether other children were in danger."
By JOANN LOVIGLIO
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - October 3, 2008 -- An Episcopal bishop in Pennsylvania has been defrocked after a church panel found him guilty of covering up his brother's assaults of a teenage girl in the 1970s.
Church documents released Friday say 64-year-old Charles Bennison Jr. should no longer serve as a member of the clergy.
The church panel chose the harshest sentence for Bennison, who has been bishop of the nation's fifth-largest Episcopal diocese. He could have been reprimanded or suspended.
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
We believe this is a first in US history: a clergyman defrocked for concealing a pedophile priest's crimes. We believe it should happen far more often.
This long overdue but crucial move sends a strong signal to Episcopalian officials: child sex abuse should be reported and disclosed, not minimized and hidden. More importantly, it sends the message that you will be punished, not promoted, for covering up for criminal colleagues. If this signal had ever been sent in the Catholic hierarchy, perhaps thousands of kids and their families would have been spared devastating pain.
Unacknowledged wounds rarely heal, so we hope this important validation can help those so deeply wounded by the Bennison brothers to recover from the horrific betrayal they've experienced. We commend them for being brave and wise enough to come forward, speak up, cooperate with authorities, and expose both a dangerous child molester and a corrupt church supervisor. Episcopalian families are safer and Episcopalian churches are healthier because of these courageous victims.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Peter Isely (414-429-7259) Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
*****
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6430084#bodyText
Episcopal bishop defrocked in cover-up
Friday, October 03, 2008 | 12:41 PM
Charles E. Bennison Jr. was formally "inhibited" by the diocese and was ordered to "cease all episcopal, ministerial and canonical acts." The church indictment, called a presentment, charges that Bennison reacted "passively and self-protectively" and "failed to take obvious, essential steps to investigate his brother's actions, protect the girl from further abuse, and find out whether other children were in danger."
By JOANN LOVIGLIO
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - October 3, 2008 -- An Episcopal bishop in Pennsylvania has been defrocked after a church panel found him guilty of covering up his brother's assaults of a teenage girl in the 1970s.
Church documents released Friday say 64-year-old Charles Bennison Jr. should no longer serve as a member of the clergy.
The church panel chose the harshest sentence for Bennison, who has been bishop of the nation's fifth-largest Episcopal diocese. He could have been reprimanded or suspended.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
About Father Joseph Ross, moving to Arkansas from St. Louis after suspension for sex offenses
For immediate release: Thursday, October 2, 2008
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, national director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Fr. Joseph D. Ross moved to Arkansas after being suspended in St. Louis in 2002 for multiple sex offenses. Last Friday, he was arrested in Pulaski County for molesting a St. Louis child around 2000.
We cannot praise this brave, strong, compassionate teenager enough for showing such courage. We hope St. Louisans will ask tough questions of archdiocesan officials who knowingly and secretly, in the 1990s, moved Ross to an unsuspecting parish after he had already pled guilty to molesting a boy. And we hope that Little Rock citizens and Catholics will ask their children if they were hurt by Ross.
Ross pleaded guilty in 1988 to sexually assaulting an 11 year old boy in Dec. 1986. He was sentenced to 2 years probation and treatment. Ross acknowledged during an investigation in 1987-1988 that he had earlier been accused of molesting one youth in the 1970s and had been arrested for propositioning a police officer and for public indecency.
The archdiocese placed him on leave March 2002. In August of 2002, church officials announced that Ross had been defrocked. A civil suit against Ross was filed in November 2002 alleging that he abused a 14 year old boy in 1977.
Out of concern for the teen's privacy, SNAP is not disclosing the latest victim's age, gender or city/state of residence.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=156428
KSDK -- A former St. Louis priest was arrested in Arkansas last week, accused of sexually assaulting a child at local church.
Joseph Ross, currently awaiting extradition back to St. Louis, hid a dark secret during his time as a priest in the Catholic Churches.
"At least three times, Father Ross was arrested for sexual offenses," said David Clohessy, the President of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
In the late 1980s, Ross was arrested and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese sent him for treatment, but he remained in the church for more than a decade, until the Archdiocese kicked him out.
Archdiocese officials would not comment on pending legal issues, but in a statement, they said: "Mr. Ross was removed from the ministry in 2002, under the Archdiocese's policy...we apologize to all those who have been abused by clergy."
Now they're issuing one more apology to Ross's latest alleged victim.
The alleged abuse went on for a period of two years while Ross was assigned at St. Cronan's Catholic Church. That was in 2000. It took eight years after the alleged event to bring charges against Ross.
"The overwhelming majority of priests that abuse kids never ever see the inside of a courtroom, let alone a jail cell," Clohessy said.
So SNAP members said the arrest sends a very clear message.
"If you're being molested and you speak up and you call the police, good things will happen," Clohessy said. "The right things will happen. You will be protected and others will be protected."
Even so, they said there were no true victories in those cases.
The case against Ross will be sealed until he actually appears in court in St. Louis.
http://www.cw11tv.com/pages/landing/?Former-Priest-Faces-New-Sex-Charges=1&blockID=77843&feedID=416
Former Priest Faces New Sex Charges
October 1, 2008
Former St. Louis area Priest Joseph Ross was arrested last week in Arkansas on a warrant issued by the St. Louis city attorney.
He is charged with 11 first degree counts of sexual misconduct with a minor...charges that include statutory rape, statutory sodomy, and child molestation.
It began with a phone call that activists say was 8 years overdue.
"The victim contacted me because of the fear that other kids were being hurt," said Mary Pat Benninger of SNAP.
Prosecutors say the victim is a teenager now, but was under the age of 14 at the time of the abuse. SNAP, the watchdog support group for victims, says Ross has a long history of abusing children.
"He's been accused of a number of sex crimes. He's been arrested at least two other times besides this one. He admitted to moleting at least one child," said David Clohessy, national SNAP president.
In 2002, two years after the alleged abuse was said to have occurred here at St. Cronans, the Archdiocese of St. Louis removed Ross as pastor because of a guilty plea he had entered in 1988. He was later defrocked by the Pope.
SNAP claims Ross was transferred to St. Cronins even though the church was aware of other incidents.
In a written statement the Archdiocese said it's their policy not to comment on pending legal matters. It apologized to all who have been abused by clergy.
So why did it take the victim eight years to come forward? Well those who've been molested by priests say telling someone is not easy.
"I was terrified of the Priest, I was terrified of the church. I was terrified that I was going to go to hell if I said anything," said Barbara Dorris. She was in her forties before she found the courage to report her abuse at the hands of a different priest.
Ross remains in custody in Arkansas,where prosecutors say he will not fight extradition. Details of the trip back to St. Louis are being worked out.
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, national director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Fr. Joseph D. Ross moved to Arkansas after being suspended in St. Louis in 2002 for multiple sex offenses. Last Friday, he was arrested in Pulaski County for molesting a St. Louis child around 2000.
We cannot praise this brave, strong, compassionate teenager enough for showing such courage. We hope St. Louisans will ask tough questions of archdiocesan officials who knowingly and secretly, in the 1990s, moved Ross to an unsuspecting parish after he had already pled guilty to molesting a boy. And we hope that Little Rock citizens and Catholics will ask their children if they were hurt by Ross.
Ross pleaded guilty in 1988 to sexually assaulting an 11 year old boy in Dec. 1986. He was sentenced to 2 years probation and treatment. Ross acknowledged during an investigation in 1987-1988 that he had earlier been accused of molesting one youth in the 1970s and had been arrested for propositioning a police officer and for public indecency.
The archdiocese placed him on leave March 2002. In August of 2002, church officials announced that Ross had been defrocked. A civil suit against Ross was filed in November 2002 alleging that he abused a 14 year old boy in 1977.
Out of concern for the teen's privacy, SNAP is not disclosing the latest victim's age, gender or city/state of residence.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 8,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=156428
KSDK -- A former St. Louis priest was arrested in Arkansas last week, accused of sexually assaulting a child at local church.
Joseph Ross, currently awaiting extradition back to St. Louis, hid a dark secret during his time as a priest in the Catholic Churches.
"At least three times, Father Ross was arrested for sexual offenses," said David Clohessy, the President of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
In the late 1980s, Ross was arrested and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese sent him for treatment, but he remained in the church for more than a decade, until the Archdiocese kicked him out.
Archdiocese officials would not comment on pending legal issues, but in a statement, they said: "Mr. Ross was removed from the ministry in 2002, under the Archdiocese's policy...we apologize to all those who have been abused by clergy."
Now they're issuing one more apology to Ross's latest alleged victim.
The alleged abuse went on for a period of two years while Ross was assigned at St. Cronan's Catholic Church. That was in 2000. It took eight years after the alleged event to bring charges against Ross.
"The overwhelming majority of priests that abuse kids never ever see the inside of a courtroom, let alone a jail cell," Clohessy said.
So SNAP members said the arrest sends a very clear message.
"If you're being molested and you speak up and you call the police, good things will happen," Clohessy said. "The right things will happen. You will be protected and others will be protected."
Even so, they said there were no true victories in those cases.
The case against Ross will be sealed until he actually appears in court in St. Louis.
http://www.cw11tv.com/pages/landing/?Former-Priest-Faces-New-Sex-Charges=1&blockID=77843&feedID=416
Former Priest Faces New Sex Charges
October 1, 2008
Former St. Louis area Priest Joseph Ross was arrested last week in Arkansas on a warrant issued by the St. Louis city attorney.
He is charged with 11 first degree counts of sexual misconduct with a minor...charges that include statutory rape, statutory sodomy, and child molestation.
It began with a phone call that activists say was 8 years overdue.
"The victim contacted me because of the fear that other kids were being hurt," said Mary Pat Benninger of SNAP.
Prosecutors say the victim is a teenager now, but was under the age of 14 at the time of the abuse. SNAP, the watchdog support group for victims, says Ross has a long history of abusing children.
"He's been accused of a number of sex crimes. He's been arrested at least two other times besides this one. He admitted to moleting at least one child," said David Clohessy, national SNAP president.
In 2002, two years after the alleged abuse was said to have occurred here at St. Cronans, the Archdiocese of St. Louis removed Ross as pastor because of a guilty plea he had entered in 1988. He was later defrocked by the Pope.
SNAP claims Ross was transferred to St. Cronins even though the church was aware of other incidents.
In a written statement the Archdiocese said it's their policy not to comment on pending legal matters. It apologized to all who have been abused by clergy.
So why did it take the victim eight years to come forward? Well those who've been molested by priests say telling someone is not easy.
"I was terrified of the Priest, I was terrified of the church. I was terrified that I was going to go to hell if I said anything," said Barbara Dorris. She was in her forties before she found the courage to report her abuse at the hands of a different priest.
Ross remains in custody in Arkansas,where prosecutors say he will not fight extradition. Details of the trip back to St. Louis are being worked out.
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