Media Statements

For immediate release: Friday, Sept. 25

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

Twice in two days, Pope Francis has made vague and brief references to the on-going abuse and cover up crisis, mentioning the pain of church staff but not the pain of abused children and betrayed parishioners. He refuses to even call the scandal by its name.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/nyregion/pope-francis-new-york-city-visit.html

http://www.kerngoldenempire.com/news/pope-francis-offers-prayers-after-hajj-tragedy

For immediate release: Friday, Sept. 25

For more information: Barbara Blaine (312 399 4747, [email protected]), Joelle Casteix (949 322 7434, [email protected]), Peter Isely (414 429 7259, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314 503 0003, [email protected]), David Clohessy (314 566 9790, [email protected])

Pope speaks to UN but rebuffs UN treaties

Two UN committees investigated church cover-ups

Both issued reports last year harshly blasting Vatican

Experts made dozens of prevention recommendations

But Francis refuses to adopt them and turn over evidence

View the complete UN committee reports here:  http://ccrjustice.org/home/what-we-do/our-cases/snap-v-pope-et-al

Members of SNAP and the Center for Constitutional Rights will be available for in-person comment and interviews from 11 am to 2 pm at CCR’s offices: 666 Broadway, 7th floor, NYC, 212-614-6464, or at the contact numbers above.

For immediate release: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])

Yesterday, Pope Francis refused to criticize, even obliquely, even one US Catholic official yesterday for words or deeds that hurt innocent kids or wounded victims.

So today, while he’s in New York, we hope the pope will discipline or at least denounce two Syracuse bishops who have blamed victims of predator priests for their victimization. (This news just came to light last week. )

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2015/09/victims_partly_to_blame_in_priest_sex-abuse_cases_syracuse_bishop_testified.html

For immediate release: Wednesday, Sept. 23

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) (312-399-4747,[email protected])

In a speech to U.S. bishops, according to ABC News, Francis “does not specifically reference the pedophilia that has rocked the Roman Catholic Church.”

He does, however, speak of some alleged “great sacrifice" made by bishops because of the abuse and cover up crisis.

September 23, 2015

Pope Francis

Apostolic Palace

00120 Vatican City

Dear Pope Francis,

I am one of 575 victims of childhood rape, sexual assault or abuse by clergy who have worked in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee who have filed cases seeking restitution from the church in US Federal Bankruptcy Court. I am writing to you on our behalf and on behalf of our families.

Every rape or sexual assault of a child is a double act of theft: first it steals the body and then it steals the voice.

For immediate release, September 23, 2015

Statement by Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP Midwest Director (414 429 7259, [email protected])

The editor of the independent National Catholic Reporter takes Francis to task today – as he should – for his first remarks about the church’s seemingly-endless scandal of sexual violence and secrecy.

An NCR reporter says that Francis made “an oblique” reference to the abuse and cover up crisis. And NCR editor Dennis Coday said that the pope’s “sadly disappointing” message was “a glaring oversight” that “will undoubtedly raise the charges of ‘he just doesn’t get it.’”

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/francis-falters-addressing-sex-abuse

For immediate release, September 23, 2015

Statement by Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]

We're sad that Francis claims US bishops have shown "courage" in the abuse crisis. Almost without exception, they have shown cowardice and callousness and continue to do so now. They offer excuses, exploit legal technicalities and hide behind expensive lawyers and public relations professionals, hardly the marks of courage.

For immediate release: Wednesday, Sept. 23

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP president (312-399-4747, [email protected])

In a speech today to U.S. bishops, according to ABC News, Francis “does not specifically reference the pedophilia that has rocked the Roman Catholic Church.”

He does, however, speak of some alleged “great sacrifice" made by bishops because of the abuse and cover up crisis.

What sacrifice? What bishops takes fewer vacations, drives a smaller car, does his own laundry or has been passed over for promotion because he’s shielding predators and endangering kids? None.

For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2015

Statement by Amy Smith, Phone: 281-748-4050  [email protected]

A child sexual abuse lawsuit was filed this week by the parents of a now deceased victim against First Baptist Church of Rockwall, Texas and pastor Billy Bob Burge, now employed as a pastor at Grace Community Church in Greenville, Texas.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baptist-pastors-sexual-abuse-of-a-child-leads-to-victims-suicide-as-an-adult-and-lawsuit-300147406.html