For immediate release:
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell)
We first want to applaud the courage and strength of Fr. Teczar's brave victims, especially Dave Lewcon, who devoted time, energy and effort into getting this dangerous predator off the street. When victims and witnesses speak up, there's at least a chance for healing, justice and prevention. But when they stay silent, predators walk free and kids get hurt. Catholics and citizens, in both Texas and Massachusetts, owe Dave and his caring colleagues a debt of gratitude.
We also want to commend the Texas prosecutors who have agreed to re-try him.
We hope he's found guilty again. Until that happens, we worry about the safety of kids near him, whether in Texas or in Massachusetts, and worry that he'll flee to another country to avoid justice.
At the same time, we condemn Catholic officials who continue to pay him while he exploits legal technicalities to evade responsibility for his horrific crimes, and who pretend to be powerless to protect kids from him even now.
We call on Teczar's boss, Worcester's Catholic bishop, to
-- use his considerable resources (diocesan website, diocesan newspaper, parish bulletins, pulpit announcements) to reach out to anyone with information about Teczar's crimes and urge them to contact Texas authorities, so that he can be even more effectively prosecuted.
-- yank Teczar's passport, if the judge refuses to do it, so that he can be prevented from fleeing overseas and hurting even more kids in even more vulnerable settings (as dozens of pedophile priests have done).
(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)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How many chances does Cardinal George get?
For immediate release:
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
How many chances does Cardinal George get? For years, he shunned victims, deceived parishioners, protected predators, and stonewalled prosecutors. But put that aside for a moment. Just consider his very recent track record on clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
In 2006, despite his being arrested and against the advice of George's own lay review panel, George left Fr. Daniel McCormack in a parish. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE arrested predator priests are still in Chicago parishes right now?”
In 2006, despite at least four allegations of child sex abuse and against two recommendations from his own lay panel, George left Fr. Joseph R. Bennett in a parish. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE serially accused predator priests are in Chicago parishes right now?”
In 2008, George admitted using his political clout to try to free a convicted predator, Fr. Norbert Maday, from prison. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE proven predator priests is George trying to get out of prison right now?”
In 2008, despite his criminal conviction for child molestation, George keeps Fr. Kenneth Martin on the church payroll. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE admitted predator priests work in or for the archdiocese right now?
Each of these four troubling cases surfaced thanks to brave victims, determined lawyers and hard-working journalists. Does anyone really believe that these four disturbingly reckless cases are the only ones in the archdiocese now? That defies common sense.
So today, we call on Cardinal George to ‘come clean’ and answer these crucial questions, questions that address the core issue: how can he continue to put his flock at risk of horrific, preventable childhood trauma.
The excuses that “Fr. X is just in an administrative job” and “Fr. Y is elderly and can’t get around well” just don’t cut it. It takes just seconds for a predator to get his hands on a child.
We also call on George’s weak-kneed, hand-picked abuse panel to speak up or step down. He’s manipulating them, and they’re letting themselves be manipulated, and it’s wrong.
On one hand, we’re grateful that 2 years ago, they expressed their outrage to George for his deceptive maneuvers to essentially try to blame them for the fact that a dangerous predator stayed in a parish and molested boys long after he should have been removed.
But shame on the board for writing a private letter to George, when they should have shouted from the rooftops that Chicago’s highest ranking Catholic official was deceiving the public.
Since then, we’ve seen at least three other fiascoes – the Bennett case, the Maday case, and the Martin case. Yet the abuse panel stays silent.
Two years ago, George tried to make the review board look bad. Now, the board is making itself look bad.
They’re becoming as complicit as George is.
We call on them today to show some spine, honor their mandate, and either publicly protest George’s on-going misdeeds, or resign.
If they’ve believed that they can bring reform to this corrupt institution working “behind the scenes,” they’ve been duped. The evidence clearly shows there has NOT been any meaningful reforms regarding child safety or even basic honesty. The board members continue, by their silence, to provide political and public relations ‘cover’ for a recalcitrant, unrepentant, secretive and reckless church official.
In 2005, the board urged George to remove Bennett. He did not.
In 2005, the board urged George to remove McCormack. He did not.
In 2003, for the second time, the board urged George to defrock Maday. He did not (until 2008).
And again, these are just the George misdeeds that have been publicly exposed.
Today we call on George to ‘come clean’ and disclose how many other proven, admitted, and credibly accused predator priests are still working in or for the archdiocese, are trying to be sprung from prison by the archdiocese and are being imported by the archdiocese.
And we call on George’s abuse panel to speak up or step aside.
(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), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688)
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
How many chances does Cardinal George get? For years, he shunned victims, deceived parishioners, protected predators, and stonewalled prosecutors. But put that aside for a moment. Just consider his very recent track record on clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
In 2006, despite his being arrested and against the advice of George's own lay review panel, George left Fr. Daniel McCormack in a parish. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE arrested predator priests are still in Chicago parishes right now?”
In 2006, despite at least four allegations of child sex abuse and against two recommendations from his own lay panel, George left Fr. Joseph R. Bennett in a parish. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE serially accused predator priests are in Chicago parishes right now?”
In 2008, George admitted using his political clout to try to free a convicted predator, Fr. Norbert Maday, from prison. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE proven predator priests is George trying to get out of prison right now?”
In 2008, despite his criminal conviction for child molestation, George keeps Fr. Kenneth Martin on the church payroll. A sensible person has to ask
“HOW MANY MORE admitted predator priests work in or for the archdiocese right now?
Each of these four troubling cases surfaced thanks to brave victims, determined lawyers and hard-working journalists. Does anyone really believe that these four disturbingly reckless cases are the only ones in the archdiocese now? That defies common sense.
So today, we call on Cardinal George to ‘come clean’ and answer these crucial questions, questions that address the core issue: how can he continue to put his flock at risk of horrific, preventable childhood trauma.
The excuses that “Fr. X is just in an administrative job” and “Fr. Y is elderly and can’t get around well” just don’t cut it. It takes just seconds for a predator to get his hands on a child.
We also call on George’s weak-kneed, hand-picked abuse panel to speak up or step down. He’s manipulating them, and they’re letting themselves be manipulated, and it’s wrong.
On one hand, we’re grateful that 2 years ago, they expressed their outrage to George for his deceptive maneuvers to essentially try to blame them for the fact that a dangerous predator stayed in a parish and molested boys long after he should have been removed.
But shame on the board for writing a private letter to George, when they should have shouted from the rooftops that Chicago’s highest ranking Catholic official was deceiving the public.
Since then, we’ve seen at least three other fiascoes – the Bennett case, the Maday case, and the Martin case. Yet the abuse panel stays silent.
Two years ago, George tried to make the review board look bad. Now, the board is making itself look bad.
They’re becoming as complicit as George is.
We call on them today to show some spine, honor their mandate, and either publicly protest George’s on-going misdeeds, or resign.
If they’ve believed that they can bring reform to this corrupt institution working “behind the scenes,” they’ve been duped. The evidence clearly shows there has NOT been any meaningful reforms regarding child safety or even basic honesty. The board members continue, by their silence, to provide political and public relations ‘cover’ for a recalcitrant, unrepentant, secretive and reckless church official.
In 2005, the board urged George to remove Bennett. He did not.
In 2005, the board urged George to remove McCormack. He did not.
In 2003, for the second time, the board urged George to defrock Maday. He did not (until 2008).
And again, these are just the George misdeeds that have been publicly exposed.
Today we call on George to ‘come clean’ and disclose how many other proven, admitted, and credibly accused predator priests are still working in or for the archdiocese, are trying to be sprung from prison by the archdiocese and are being imported by the archdiocese.
And we call on George’s abuse panel to speak up or step aside.
(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), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Child Sex Abuse Victims Concerned About Six Pedophile Priests
Child Sex Abuse Victims Concerned About Six Pedophile Priests
Most Assaulted Children Elsewhere But Also Lived in Las Vegas
Two of the Child-Molesting Clergymen Accused of Hurting NV Kids
Four of Them Have Never Been “Outed” Locally as Predators Before
Self-Help Group Urges Any Victims & Witnesses To Come Forward
SNAP Also Ask Diocese To Disclose Names of Other Predators Who Have Moved Here
WHAT: Holding signs at a sidewalk news conference, clergy molestation victims will disclose information about six pedophile priests from across the US who have worked or lived in Las Vegas. They will also urge Las Vegas’ Catholic bishop to
-- aggressively reach out to anyone who may have been hurt by two pedophile priests,
-- disclose the names other out-of-state child-molesting clergy who have lived or are living here.
They’ll also urge anyone who witnessed, suspected or experienced clergy sex crimes to come forward, get help, and call police.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: In front of Guardian Angel Cathedral 302 Cathedral Way in Las Vegas
WHO: Two clergy abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Chicago woman who is the organization’s long time president
WHY: SNAP is concerned about six pedophile priests from out-of-state who have lived and/or worked in Las Vegas. Four of them have apparently never been publicly “outed” in Nevada before. They include:
-- Fr. Edmund Boyle of Seattle WA, who moved to Nevada in 1984
-- Fr. Theodore Anthony Geerts of Davenport IA, who worked at St. Bridget in Las Vegas in 1991-92
-- Fr. Theodore Meisner, who worked at St. Christopher’s parish in Las Vegas in 1984
-- Fr. Robert A. Bowling, who worked at Our Lady of Las Vegas from 1970 to 1972
Meisner and Bowling were originally from the Louisville Kentucky archdiocese and were sued there for child molestation.
At least two other accused out-of-state predator priests have moved to Las Vegas. They are James Beine (a.k.a. Mar James) from St. Louis MO and James Patrick Feeney from Milwaukee WI. Both were convicted on criminal charges and have faced civil lawsuits in their home states. Nevada media have reported on their presence in the state.
Two of the priests (Boyle and Feeney) are accused of hurting Nevada kids. In January, Feeney was sued in Clark County NV for molesting a boy at St. Francis De Sales Church in Las Vegas in 1984. In 1987, Boyle pled guilty to exposing himself to a mentally retarded 12 year old at a Nevada hospital where he was a chaplain.
Beine, whose Missouri teaching license was revoked last year, was in believed to be in Nevada in recent years but not working at a Catholic church. The other five DID work in Nevada as priests.
The whereabouts of five of the men is not known. Boyle is deceased.
Most of SNAP’s information comes from news accounts in other states and a website called BishopAccountability.org.
Because Las Vegas is a rapidly growing area, SNAP suspects that other pedophile priests from out of state are or have been here. The group wants Bishop Pepe to disclose the identities and whereabouts of any such priests and prod victims and witnesses to call police and independent sources of help.
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP President 312 399 4747 cell
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director 314 566 9790 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Coordinator 314 862 7688, 314 503 0003 cell
Most Assaulted Children Elsewhere But Also Lived in Las Vegas
Two of the Child-Molesting Clergymen Accused of Hurting NV Kids
Four of Them Have Never Been “Outed” Locally as Predators Before
Self-Help Group Urges Any Victims & Witnesses To Come Forward
SNAP Also Ask Diocese To Disclose Names of Other Predators Who Have Moved Here
WHAT: Holding signs at a sidewalk news conference, clergy molestation victims will disclose information about six pedophile priests from across the US who have worked or lived in Las Vegas. They will also urge Las Vegas’ Catholic bishop to
-- aggressively reach out to anyone who may have been hurt by two pedophile priests,
-- disclose the names other out-of-state child-molesting clergy who have lived or are living here.
They’ll also urge anyone who witnessed, suspected or experienced clergy sex crimes to come forward, get help, and call police.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: In front of Guardian Angel Cathedral 302 Cathedral Way in Las Vegas
WHO: Two clergy abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Chicago woman who is the organization’s long time president
WHY: SNAP is concerned about six pedophile priests from out-of-state who have lived and/or worked in Las Vegas. Four of them have apparently never been publicly “outed” in Nevada before. They include:
-- Fr. Edmund Boyle of Seattle WA, who moved to Nevada in 1984
-- Fr. Theodore Anthony Geerts of Davenport IA, who worked at St. Bridget in Las Vegas in 1991-92
-- Fr. Theodore Meisner, who worked at St. Christopher’s parish in Las Vegas in 1984
-- Fr. Robert A. Bowling, who worked at Our Lady of Las Vegas from 1970 to 1972
Meisner and Bowling were originally from the Louisville Kentucky archdiocese and were sued there for child molestation.
At least two other accused out-of-state predator priests have moved to Las Vegas. They are James Beine (a.k.a. Mar James) from St. Louis MO and James Patrick Feeney from Milwaukee WI. Both were convicted on criminal charges and have faced civil lawsuits in their home states. Nevada media have reported on their presence in the state.
Two of the priests (Boyle and Feeney) are accused of hurting Nevada kids. In January, Feeney was sued in Clark County NV for molesting a boy at St. Francis De Sales Church in Las Vegas in 1984. In 1987, Boyle pled guilty to exposing himself to a mentally retarded 12 year old at a Nevada hospital where he was a chaplain.
Beine, whose Missouri teaching license was revoked last year, was in believed to be in Nevada in recent years but not working at a Catholic church. The other five DID work in Nevada as priests.
The whereabouts of five of the men is not known. Boyle is deceased.
Most of SNAP’s information comes from news accounts in other states and a website called BishopAccountability.org.
Because Las Vegas is a rapidly growing area, SNAP suspects that other pedophile priests from out of state are or have been here. The group wants Bishop Pepe to disclose the identities and whereabouts of any such priests and prod victims and witnesses to call police and independent sources of help.
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP President 312 399 4747 cell
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director 314 566 9790 cell
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Coordinator 314 862 7688, 314 503 0003 cell
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Closing arguments today in case against Mother Teresa’s ‘confessor’
Closing arguments today in case against Mother Teresa's 'confessor'
Convicted pedophile priest molested teen "almost continuously" for a year
Cardinal George continues to 'split hairs' and distance himself from predator
Cleric has been convicted for assaulting two other kids & faces new criminal charges
Nationally known ex-cleric has been defrocked and abused one kid just four years ago
Evidence shows his Catholic supervisors knew of allegations against him as far back as 1969
WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, BEFORE/AFTER closing arguments in a criminal trial, clergy sex abuse victims will discuss the criminal case against a high-profile Jesuit pedophile priest who was once Mother Teresa's spiritual advisor. They will urge
--- Chicago's Cardinal George to stop 'splitting hairs' and take responsibility for all pedophile priests who live or work in his archdiocese (including those in religious orders, like Jesuits),
--- Jesuit officials to 'come clean' about their cover up of McGuire's crimes, and
--- anyone who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to come forward, get help, and call police.
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Inside the Dirksen Federal Bldg, Jackson & Dearborn in downtown Chicago (press area in lobby)
WHO: Attorneys and several local 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: Fr. Donald McGuire is a widely-known, recently 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.
He faces federal charges and the two week trial is being held in Courtroom 2119 in front of Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer.
Evidence shows that McGuire lived with and molested a teenaged boy almost every day for a year in 1998, even though his supervisors knew of repeated sex abuse allegations against him dating back to 1969.
In Feb. 2006, McGuire was found guilty of molesting two other boys on trips to in 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.
McGuire also faces prosecution in Maricopa County (Phoenix AZ) for molesting two brothers there between 1998 and 2002. At least two civil molestation suits against McGuire and the Jesuits have been settled.
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.
Closing arguments are set for this morning and the case is expected to go to the jury today. He is represented by Chicago attorney Stephen Komie. In civil cases, McGuire's victims are represented by Jeff Anderson of St. Paul MN (612 817 8665) , Kevin McGuire of Orange County CA (949 510 1229) & Marc Pearlman of Chicago (773 368 0142).
SNAP believes that Cardinal George is responsible for the safety and well-being of all Chicago Catholics and should stop claiming no responsibility or control over religious order priests who commit crimes while in the Chicago archdiocese.
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president 312 399 4747
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home
Convicted pedophile priest molested teen "almost continuously" for a year
Cardinal George continues to 'split hairs' and distance himself from predator
Cleric has been convicted for assaulting two other kids & faces new criminal charges
Nationally known ex-cleric has been defrocked and abused one kid just four years ago
Evidence shows his Catholic supervisors knew of allegations against him as far back as 1969
WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, BEFORE/AFTER closing arguments in a criminal trial, clergy sex abuse victims will discuss the criminal case against a high-profile Jesuit pedophile priest who was once Mother Teresa's spiritual advisor. They will urge
--- Chicago's Cardinal George to stop 'splitting hairs' and take responsibility for all pedophile priests who live or work in his archdiocese (including those in religious orders, like Jesuits),
--- Jesuit officials to 'come clean' about their cover up of McGuire's crimes, and
--- anyone who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes to come forward, get help, and call police.
WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, Oct. 23, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Inside the Dirksen Federal Bldg, Jackson & Dearborn in downtown Chicago (press area in lobby)
WHO: Attorneys and several local 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: Fr. Donald McGuire is a widely-known, recently 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.
He faces federal charges and the two week trial is being held in Courtroom 2119 in front of Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer.
Evidence shows that McGuire lived with and molested a teenaged boy almost every day for a year in 1998, even though his supervisors knew of repeated sex abuse allegations against him dating back to 1969.
In Feb. 2006, McGuire was found guilty of molesting two other boys on trips to in 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.
McGuire also faces prosecution in Maricopa County (Phoenix AZ) for molesting two brothers there between 1998 and 2002. At least two civil molestation suits against McGuire and the Jesuits have been settled.
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.
Closing arguments are set for this morning and the case is expected to go to the jury today. He is represented by Chicago attorney Stephen Komie. In civil cases, McGuire's victims are represented by Jeff Anderson of St. Paul MN (612 817 8665) , Kevin McGuire of Orange County CA (949 510 1229) & Marc Pearlman of Chicago (773 368 0142).
SNAP believes that Cardinal George is responsible for the safety and well-being of all Chicago Catholics and should stop claiming no responsibility or control over religious order priests who commit crimes while in the Chicago archdiocese.
CONTACT
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president 312 399 4747
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Clergy sex group appeals to NYC Cardinal
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
“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
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
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