Thursday, March 10, 2005

Statement by Mark Furnish
Board Member of SNAP

Albany, NY -- Today is a shocking blow to the St. John's Evangelist Community. I was a student there in the early 1980's where I, and many others, were sexually abused by Father Robert O'Neill who lived at the parish at the time. No one was there to protect us then. O'Neill was never removed from ministry until 2002.

Now, the St. John's community learns that Rev. Michael Volino was arrested today on child pornography charges.

The Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests (SNAP) calls for Bishop Matthew Clark to immediately urge anyone with information of abuses by Father Volino to come forward with information. SNAP also urges Bishop Clark to go to St. John's parish and meet with parents and guardians of every student who attended the school while Fr. Volino was living there.

When I was twelve, I wished Bishop Clark asked me if I needed help. I will fight to make sure he asks the children of St. John's if they need help now."

For more information:
Mark Furnish (518) 366-5842