For immediate release: Friday, March 13, 2009

Tulsa Diocese blasted by church panel; abuse victims respond

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

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

Seven years ago, America's Catholic bishops promised to train all Catholic kids about how to prevent and stop child sex abuse. We're deeply saddened that Tulsa's bishop refuses to honor this simple pledge.

Tulsa is the only diocese in the US deemed 'not in compliance' with the vague, weak, and toothless national church abuse policy. That's shameful. This inexcusable violation needlessly puts innocent kids in harm's way.

We hope that this news will prod anyone who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes by current or former Tulsa priests to call police, therapists, support groups and other independent sources of help, rather than calling recalcitrant church officials.

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