Erie bishop: Disclosures part of ‘search for the truth’

April 06, 2018

By Ed Palattella, April 6, 2018, GoErie.com

Catholic Diocese of Erie says it hopes to help victims, community with its release 51 names of accused priests, laypeople

Bishop Lawrence Persico likened the event to ending a kind of darkness.

In a stunning break from years of Catholic Diocese of Erie policy, Persico on Friday released the names of priests and laypeople credibly accused of sexually abusing minors or engaging in improper behavior with minors since 1944. (scroll down for the list of names.)

“When everything is shrouded in cloud, everybody becomes suspicious,” Persico said. “Now that we have turned on the light it should be somewhat of a relief.”

He apologized to the victims on behalf of the diocese and said the release of the list is meant to . . .

Read full article here

Spread the Word!
Sign in if you'd like new recruits to be credited to you.

Showing 1 comment

John Nesbella commented 2018-04-09 09:30:25 -0500
Hi everybody! I’m bishop Persico! My priest fraternity brothers molested a bunch of stupid Pennsylvania children. I did not turn them into the police when this could have been stopped. So they ruined the lives of hundreds of children-I had to protect the church. People found out so to try to save the reputation of my church I published the names of a bunch of dead or retired priests. It’s ok because the statute of limitations has expired so these poor old men are safe from the law. God forbid that I or my church should punish these old men-after all they are priests! There are no bad priests or bishops. I hope this makes everyone feel better. Those children are grown up now; besides I went to confession and we are all forgiven. No reason to help the people whose lives we ruined-the law can’t make me. Here’s your list of names-all is well. I can die and go to heaven now. Have a nice life!

Donate Report Abuse to your AG

Winter Appeal 2023

To our friends,

2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’

At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.

To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.

Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.

Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.

Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!

Warmly,

Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.

Interim Executive Director

Share Your Story Get Help Now Locations

Join our mailing list!

Protect the vulnerable. Heal the wounded. Prevent the abuse.

Survivor

Supporter

Country