CA - Dozens More So. California Accused Abusive Priests To Be Publicly Disclosed

In Unusual Move, Victims Name Alleged Molesters on Web Site

SNAP to California Bishops, "Protect Kids, Not Abusers"

WHAT:
Holding posters naming accused child molesters, clergy sexual abuse victims will publicly disclose the names of several dozens Los Angeles and Orange County priests who have been or will soon be accused of sexual crimes in civil lawsuits. Most, if not all of the names have not been publicly exposed until today.

Victims of some of these priests will speak out and also urge church leaders to:

-- "Come clean" now and release the names of all known and suspected abusive priests immediately, before the December 31st statute of limitations deadline for victims of abuse to file lawsuits.

-- Include those from other dioceses who are accused and worked here temporarily.

WHEN:
Tuesday, Dec. 23nd,1:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Outside Our Lady Queen of the Angels Cathedral,
555 W. Temple, (Corner of Temple/Hill) Los Angeles

WHO:
Several adults who were molested by clergy, and are members of a local support group, SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

WHY/DETAILS:
This list of known or suspected abusive clergy is being compiled and released publicly for the first time, and will also be posted on SNAP's national website: SNAPnetwork.org and its local Los Angeles website: SNAP-socal.com.

The group’s goal is to warn parents and prospective employers about these men and their past criminal behavior, so that kids can be safe. The St. Louis chapter of SNAP recently took a similar step, posting the names of nearly 30 clergy who had molested kids (SEE SNAPmidwest.org)

The group will also quote from the Dallas Charter, enacted by all American Catholic bishops in June 2002, which promises "openness and transparency" regarding abuse.

December 23: LIST OF ACCUSED, ABUSIVE PRIESTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mary Grant, SNAP’s Western Regional Director (626) 419-2930 cell

Steven Sanchez, SNAP’s Los Angeles Director (818) 262-6540 cell

David Clohessy, SNAP’s Executive Director (314) 566-9790 cell