August 31, 2018
For immediate release, August 31, 2018
Statement by: Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Regional Leader: 636-433-2511, [email protected]
We have just now learned that 3 priests have been removed for child sex abuse in the Pittsburgh diocese.
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/08/31/john-bauer-bernard-costello-hugh-lang-sexual-abuse-allegations/
First of all, we are wondering why it took Bishop Zubik so long to make these accusations public from the time that it was reported. The delay enables unfettered supervision—were more children, minors, and vulnerable adults harmed?. Could the accused have time to intimidate witnesses and destroy evidence? They should have been exposed immediately.
August 30, 2018
For immediate release, August 30, 2018
Statement by: Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Regional Leader: 636-433-2511, [email protected]
The explosive revelations of the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report have forced bishops across the nation to respond. Bishop Perisco’s proposal on Statute of Limitation denies fundamental reform.
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180830/eries-persico-backs-compensation-fund-for-victims
Bishops no longer get to set the terms. We cannot rely on the church hierarchy to tell the truth or protect children. The voice of the community must be heard.
Yes, dramatic reform or elimination of the statute of limitation laws must be made. We also want a window, a look back window, that allows those who have been cruelly abused to seek justice opening reporting abuses past existing SOL laws. The combination of church coverups and survivor troubles means that many victims are unable to seek justice.
The second element of Bishop Perisco proposal is to set up a fund. Yes, the church must take responsibility for the harm done to hundreds and thousands of children, minors, and vulnerable adults. These survivors need forms of restorative justice, job training, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, etc. But these funds do not deter future crimes, do not expose enablers, do not protect kids. It is insulting to think and act like all that victims want is money. We want the truth exposed we want the crimes prevented.
The real message of Bishop Perisco deters public action. He maintained the coverup for years and perpetuates the practice of coverups of previous bishops in Eire.
Look, the Pennsylvania Grand Jury is an ongoing investigation. Bishop Perisco wants to control the situation—he cannot. We call on every citizen to report sexual abuse to the Attorney General hotline: 888-538-8541.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network, is the world's oldest and largest support group for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings. SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 25,000 supporters. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org )
Contact - Judy Jones, (636-433-2511, [email protected]), Tim Lennon (415-312-5820, [email protected]), Becky Ianni (703-801-6044, [email protected])
August 25, 2018
For immediate release, August 25, 2018
Statement by Tim Lennon, SNAP President, [email protected], 415-312-5820
During Pope Francis' recent visit to Ireland he gave yet another scathing condemnation of the sexual abuse of children in the Church. However, not one child is safer because of his words.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/pope-francis-in-ireland/pope-francis-speech-calls-clerical-abuse-scandal-in-ireland-repugnant-makes-thinlyveiled-reference-to-abortion-referendum-37250833.html
Without action, these stirring condemnations are nothing more than empty gestures. Thousands of Irish boys and girls endured sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy. Their suffering was compounded, and more were put in harm's way, when Church officials covered up those crimes. Moreover, this deplorable situation is not confined to Ireland, but is replicated in every corner of the world where the Church has outposts.
August 24, 2018
For immediate release August 24, 2018
Judy Larson, Volunteer Member of SNAP’s Board of Directors (801-831-5277, [email protected])
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, worked as the auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1992 to 1996. In recent statements to the press in the wake of the Pennsylvania grand jury report, Bishop Tobin admitted that he “became aware of incidents of sexual abuse when they were reported to the diocese.” However, Bishop Tobin said he did nothing about these allegations because they were outside his realm of responsibility.
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180821/providence-bishop-thomas-j-tobin-says-abuse-was-outside-his-responsibility
