For Immediate Release:
January 1, 2008

For More Information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director 314 566 9790
Greg Olson of Boise 208-389-9956
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director 314 862 7688

Sex Abuse Victims Urge Bishop to Tell More About Abuse Accusation

“Continued Church Secrecy Hurts Everyone Involved,” Support Group Says

They Want Action, Not Words, On Recent Alleged “Misconduct” Case Against Priest

Catholic Officials Should Also Post Names of Proven, Admitted, & Credibly Accused Molesters

WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will hold signs and publicly urge Idaho's Catholic bishop to:

-  be more ‘forthcoming’ about sexual misconduct allegations (including a recent case),

- permanently post on his website the names of all proven, admitted & credibly accused predators,

- aggressively seek out anyone who may have witnessed, suspected or experienced abuse, and

- urge victims and witnesses to contact the police, not church officials, and

- publicly support reforms in the statute of limitations, which protect predators, not kids.

WHEN
Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE
Outside the diocesan headquarters (chancery office), 303 Federal Way in Boise (208-342-1311)

WHO
Three individuals who were sexually assaulted by clergy and who belong to a self-help group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a Missouri man who is the organization’s long-time national director.

WHY
In September, Boise Catholic officials suspended Fr. Raul Covarrubias as pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Mountain Home because of credible allegations of ‘misconduct.’ At the time, Bishop Michael Driscoll’s announcement was very vague, and he’s provided no additional details since then.

Neither parishioners nor the public have been told when the allegation was first made, when the alleged incidents occurred, whether the victims were boys or girls, nor Corvarrubias’ whereabouts. Nor have church officials told whether or not criminal authorities have been notified.

Refusing to disclose such information, SNAP believes, violates the US bishops’ conference sex abuse policy. It also potentially leaves others vulnerable to abuse in the future, the group feels.

SNAP also wants Driscoll to make public the identities of all proven, admitted and credibly accused church employees and volunteers (current and former). Roughly 15 bishops across the US have done so.

Covarrubias has also worked in Glenn’s Ferry (Our Lady of Limerick), Bruneau (St. Bridget’s), and Grand View (St. Henry’s).