Victims leaflet parish where priest was just ousted

Group blasts Catholic officials for “on-going recklessness & secrecy”

They urge anyone who “saw, suspected or suffered” abuse to come forward

Archdiocese removed credibly accused cleric six months ago but kept it quiet

That gave predator time to shred evidence & intimidate victims, SNAP maintains

SNAP begs victims and witnesses to “do your civic and moral duty – speak up!”

WHAT
As Catholics enter and leave mass, clergy sex abuse victims will hand out fliers harshly blasting church officials for
--- announcing only this week that another archdiocesan priest is accused of molesting boys, and
--- staying silent for six months after removing him.

They will also prod
--- Chicago’s Cardinal George to personally visit each parish where the suspended predator worked, begging those with knowledge of his misdeeds to come forward, and
--- anyone who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes to call police and seek help from independent sources.

WHEN
Sunday, Nov. 15 at 12:30 p.m.

WHERE
Outside St. Mark’s Church, 1048 N Campbell in Chicago

WHO
Three members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org) including a Missouri woman who is the organization’s outreach director

DETAILS
This week, Chicago archdiocese disclosed that credible child sex abuse allegations led to the suspension Fr. Edward Maloney from public ministry. But church officials also admitted that Maloney had actually been removed quietly back in May.

SNAP is highly critical of both the secrecy and the delayed announcement, because both moves gave Maloney six months to intimidate victims, threaten witnesses, destroy evidence, and fabricate alibis. It also enabled the alleged child molesting cleric to remain around kids.

During last Sunday’s mass at St. Mark’s, a letter from Auxiliary Bishop John Manz was read to St. Mark’s parishioners. (It’s now on the archdiocesan website). SNAP believes Cardinal Francis George should personally visit St. Mark’s and every other place Maloney has worked, begging victims and witnesses to step forward.

SNAP believes that had George acted responsibly and disclosed the allegations against Maloney promptly, Maloney might be behind bars now.

Maloney’s two alleged victims are now reportedly in their late 30s and early 40s, according to a church spokeswoman.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Maloney worked at St. Marks for 21 years. He was also assigned to four suburban parishes: St. Simeon in Bellwood, St. David’s in Bridgeport, Santa Maria del Popolo in Mundelein and Mission San Juan Diego in Arlington Heights. Besides St. Mary’s, he worked at three other Chicago parishes: St. Columbkille’s on the west side, St. Ambrose’s on E. 47th, and Precious Blood on W. Congress Parkway. Maloney also taught at Quigley Preparatory Seminary.

http://www.chicagocatholicnews.com/2009/11/new-chicago-priest-accused-of-abuse.html
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/11/archdiocese-finds-evidence-priest-abused-a-child.html
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/religion/1881132,priest-accused-sex-abuse-111209.article#Comments_Container

CONTACT
Barbara Dorris, 314-503-0003, Barbara Blaine, 312-399-4747, David Clohessy, 314-566-9790