For immediate release: Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)

It's interesting to note that Winona bishop John Michael Quinn says he plans to seek Chapter 11 protection even before a single trial or settlement or verdict happens, based just on his fears.

Winona's bishop has hidden from his flock for more than six months his intention to seek bankruptcy protection. Winona Catholics deserve better, especially because bishops keep pledging to be "open" about clergy sex cases.

It's sad that in 2014, after decades of revelations about clergy sex crimes and cover ups, Winona's bishop still puts the blame squarely on others, claiming that "attorneys and elements within the public media have exhibited unwavering resolve in their efforts to further defame alleged offenders, foster discredit in church officials, and instill common anger and mistrust toward the Universal Church."

Clearly, Bishop Quinn, the problem is not that many Catholic clerics assault many kids and many church employees ignore or hide the crimes.

The problem, in his view, is journalists and attorneys.

Shame on him.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 25 years and have more than 20,000 members. 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, davidgclohessy@gmail.com),Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com), Frank Meuers of Plymouth (952-334-5180, frankameuers@gmail.com) Verne Wagner (218-340-1277, lwagsmn@yahoo.com)