|
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests SNAP
Press Releases
For immediate release: For more information: Former St. Louis Priest Named As Abuser In Alaska Sex Abuse Victims Applaud Bishop's Openness SNAP Worries That Cleric May Have Molested Here In an unusual move, a former St. Louis priest was publicly identified last week as an abuser by Alaska Catholic church leaders. In the March 31 edition of the Anchorage Daily News (http://www.adn.com/front/story/4904277p-4839172c.html), the Anchorage archdiocesan chancellor said that Father Robert Wells was accused in 1992 or 1993 of sexually molesting a girl. The archdiocesan sexual misconduct committee found the woman's allegations credible and have since paid for her therapy. Most dioceses do not name known or suspected molesters unless forced to do so through civil or criminal litigation or when bishops are forced to suspend them in the wake of credible allegations. Leaders of the nation's largest support group for clergy abuse victims today applauded Schwietz's decision to name the priest, though questioned why it took so long and why Wells' victim wasn't consulted or warned beforehand. "We are encouraged every time a bishop takes one small step toward greater openness," said David Clohessy of St. Louis. Clohessy is national director of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). "We understand that Schwietz.could and should have handled this more promptly and sensitively. But at least he did what all bishops have repeatedly promised: he was open." Barbara Dorris, SNAP's local St. Louis chapter leader, said she
suspects that Wells might have spent time at one of the St. Louis
area treatment centers for abusive clergy. "But we just don't
know. He could have worked in a parish here and molested kids here
too," she said. For more information: Sister Charlotte Davenport, Chancellor 907 276 3455
|
|
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests www.snapnetwork.org | ||