Sex abuse victims urge church to NOT hire molester

SNAP to Louisville congregation: "Why take risks with children’s safety?"

It "can forgive convicted criminal without giving him access to kids," group says

Self help organizations urges church members to at least postpone their decision

Congregation should hold open public meeting with Q & A session before making "reckless move"

WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will urge a Louisville congregation to
--- NOT hire a man who is a convicted child molester, or
--- at least postpone the decision until an open public meeting is held to discuss the issue.

They will also urge anyone who saw, suspected or suffered the man's crimes to come forward, get help and call police

WHEN
TODAY, Thursday, Sept. 10, 1:30 p.m.

WHERE
Outside the City of Refuge Worship Center, 3933 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY (502-495-2603, cityofrefuge@yahoo.com)

WHO
Two sex abuse victims who are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)

WHY
This Sunday, despite considerable controversy, staffers at this church will ordain a convicted child molester, Mark Hourigan, as a minister. They announced their plan a few days ago, and have discussed it on CNN television.

SNAP believes this is a reckless move that will only put kids in harm's way. Forgiving someone is a private and often healing act. But giving a known child predator an exalted title and role and greater access to kids is a public and always risky act.

The church claims that Hourigan will sign a pledge to not be alone with kids. SNAP considers that to be meaningless.

SNAP is convinced that a truly remorseful and 'reformed' sex offender would not even seek a position like minister, just as a truly repentant and sober alcoholic wouldn't seek a job in a tavern.

The group wants the congregation to delay its planned ordination and hold an open public meeting before making a final decision.

A list of church staff is available at http://cityofrefugewc.org/pastoralstaff.aspx

The church's website is http://cityofrefugewc.org/default.aspx

More about this situation can be found at: http://www.theblogofrecord.com/2009/09/07/sex-offender-to-be-ordained-minister/

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=11094180

CONTACT
Cal Pfeiffer 502-396-7178, caljpfeiffer@aol.com
David Clohesy 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com