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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Statement

Statement Regarding Release of Abuse Docements by
Los Angeles Archdiocese

 

Octonber 12, 2005

Statement by SNAP member Matt Severson of Hollywood
(victim of Fr. Michael Baker)

Here are a few facts about these watered down, sanitized, documents

- "An appellate court ordered the documents released last month."

- "They are summaries of the church's personnel files with much information deleted, including . . many details about the alleged conduct."

- "They do not include names of church officials who were warned about the priests but failed to notify authorities and parishioners. . "

- "Church officials have vigorously opposed efforts to make the full personnel files public."

- "Files were not kept on all accused priests. ."

So it's crucial that Catholics see this as what it is - a begrudging, belated, partial disclosure. It's a small step forward, taken only because a judge ordered this information released.

And even this piecemeal material is only surfacing now because of courageous victims, persistent attorneys and wise judges, over the vigorous objections of Cardinal Mahony and his high priced defense lawyers.

(NOTE: The first quote is from the Associated Press. The others are from today's LA Times.)

For more information:
Mary Grant of Long Beach, SNAP Western Regional Director (626) 419-2930 cell

David Clohessy of St. Louis SNAP National Director (314) 566-9790 cell

 


Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org