Statement Regarding Spokane, WA Diocese Bankruptcy

Statement from David Clohessy
SNAP National Director
Contact: 314-566-9790

December 6, 2004

"We are sad for the wounded victims who need and deserve healing and for the betrayed parishiioners who need and deserve resolution. Everyone suffers when Skylstad chooses to protect his secrets and his image rather than show courage and compassion.

This is a victory for Skylstad's high-priced bankruptcy lawyers. It's a loss for everyone who values openness and reconciliation.

Parishioners and victims want this to end and want to move forward, but Skylstad has instead opted for more delays, confusion and uncertainty.

We repeatedly asked Skylstad to honor his promise to be open about sex abuse, and hold even one meeting with Spokane parishioners to discuss this expensive and controversial move. It's pathetic that he wouldn't even take this simple step."