October 25, 2005

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago 312 399 4747
Founder and President of SNAP

"Once again, it seems that a high ranking church official is trying to use his clout to evade a full accounting of sex crimes and cover ups.

In virtually every situation, Catholic authorities seem to come up with some new strategy or rationalization to explain why they shouldn't have to answer questions under oath about this horrific crisis.

We hope that this apparent 'bait and switch' maneuver doesn't exacerbate the already deep and still fresh wounds of many victims and their families. We also hope that the judge forces Levada to answer any and all questions that might shed light on the role of the church hierarchy in the repeated and inexcusable rape of children and deception about those crimes."

CONTACT:

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

Barbara Blaine of Chicago (312) 399 4747 cell