Statement Regarding Resignation of Chicago Priest

February 8, 2005

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago
SNAP founder and president 312 399 4747

Yakaitis isn't the real problem. Cardinal George is the problem. Again, he violates the most crucial pledge he and his brother bishops have made: to protect youngsters.

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis
SNAP National Director 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915

Church and university officials owe an apology and an explanation to Chicago Catholics. The key question is how can an admitted predator be kept in active ministry and put around teenagers again?

Statement by Chicago ex-seminarian who was abused by Yakaitis:
The abuse and violation I suffered from 1990 - 1991, at Niles College Seminary, have exacted from me a great emotional, psychological, and spiritual toll. Fr. Yakaitis' resignation as Chaplain and Director of Calvert House, helps move the healing process along; however, I take greater solace in the knowledge that my decision to make his abuse public has helped to assure the safety of students at the University of Chicago as well as young people with whom he may have contact in the future. The issue left unresolved is how the Archdiocese of Chicago, having full knowledge of his past abusive behavior, could knowingly appointment Fr. Yakaitis to the university position. I demand that the Archdiocese of Chicago commit itself to a greater level of openness, scrutiny and integrity in addressing the issue of sexually abusive priests and their victims. I look to Francis Cardinal George for an apology and explanation as to this betrayal of the assurances made to me as well as this breach of common decency and common sense.