For immediate release: Friday, March 13, 2009

Oregon bishop criticized in national report; Clergy sex abuse victims respond

Statement by Barbara Blaine, SNAP Founder and President 312-399-4747

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

We're saddened but not surprised that Baker Catholic officials still refuse to participate in the annual national church sex abuse program. Even worse, Bishop Robert Vasa won't conduct abuse prevention training for children, the training mandate by the national bishops conference that is designed to prevent future horrific child sex crimes. The bishop won't even do the bare minimum regarding child safety, preferring instead to risk the safety of the children entrusted to his care.

His fellow bishops have not censored nor held him accountable in any way for this egregious violation, which calls into question their sincerity about safeguarding kids.

Contact - David Clohessy, SNAP National Director 314-566-9790, Barbara Dorris, SNAP National Outreach Director 314-862-7688, Peter Isely, SNAP Midwest Director 414-429-7259