July 28, 2006

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis,
SNAP national director 314 566 9790

We're thrilled by this ruling. We're grateful that this dangerous man is one step closer to being locked up. We're thankful that kids may be safer because of this court decision.

Salvatorian officials needlessly put innocent children at risk by protecting Henn in the literal and figurative center of Catholicism, where his exalted status as a priest and a daily deluge of devout tourists create an abusive clergyman's paradise.

It's also a shame that the legal system moves so slowly and that Henn was able to evade the law for so long.

When American prosecutors show some courage and make an effort, many times abusive priests can be brought to justice. But first, law enforcement officials have to overcome their fear of and deference toward church officials, and look at abusive and complicit clergy just like other criminals.

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0604297.htm