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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

For immediate release:
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis,
national director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home)

Mark Foley is setting a terrible example. Sex crimes should be reported to police officials, not church officials. Foley should still tell law enforcement the name immediately.

No institution can police itself - not Congress, not churches. Foley should know this; all victims and witnesses should understand this.

If the priest is still living, the burden now falls to Miami church authorities to move quickly, warn parents, and protect kids. We worry, however, that church officials now have the opportunity to destroy evidence, silence witnesses or intimidate victims.

If he's telling the truth, this is a step forward for Foley's healing. But until the identity of the accused is known publicly, kids may needlessly be at risk.

Contacts:
David Clohessy (314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home),
Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747)
Peter Isely (4145 429 7259)
Mark Serrano (703-727-4940), Mary Grant (626-419-2930)