Statement Regarding Resignation of
Order Head

Monday, January 24, 2005

For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis,
SNAP National Director 314 566-9790 cell, 314 645 5915

Statement by David Clohessy:

We hope Maciel's departure provides at least some measure of closure to the eight brave and credible men who have reported molested by him.

It does not, we believe, absolve Vatican officials from investigating the serious sex abuse charges against him. In fact, if the case against Maciel is scrapped or moves forward at a glacial pace, it will only serve to deepen the severe and understandible mistrust and pessimism so many victims and Catholics feel toward Vatican bureaucrats who have denied Maciel's victims justice for so long.

A cleric ought not to be able to dodge abuse charges by retiring any more than a criminal should be able to dodge justice by fleeing.

Catholics everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Maciel's courageous victims who have perservered for years trying to warn others about a dangerous man