SNAP Media Events

Victims want probe of archdiocese

SNAP: “Law enforcement must act”

Group wants abuse documents disclosed

And they release part of a predator priest’s record

“Archbishop should also expand perp list,” victims say

A church agency counselor abused 2 weeks ago, they note

WHAT

Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will

--disclose 15 pages of church records about one of Seattle’s most notorious predator priests, and 

Victims blast Altoona Catholic officials

Bishop should fire a nun and his abuse advisors

Grand jury showed “victims advocate” is a sham

SNAP: “Saying ‘sorry’ is wrong without clear changes”

Group wants outreach about “sadistic yet ignored teacher”

And victims say Bartchak’s letter on Sunday was “pure public relations”

WHAT:

Holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse survivors and their supporters will demand that Altoona’s Catholic bishop

--fire a nun and his abuse panel,

--work with the Attorney General to pick replacements, and

--disclose more about a high school librarian who is named in last week’s grand jury report – but has been ignored by news media even though he downloaded “hundreds of pages of violent child rape stories and chats” and was on the job for eight years.

Now, 3 patients accuse doctor of abuse

Two have sued him for sexual battery

Physician also was charged with a DUI

Group believes other victims are “still suffering”

It urges “anyone with information” to call police

SNAP: “Prosecutors and Health Dept. must take action”

Clinic knew of his misdeeds but kept him working, suit says

WHAT

Holding signs at a sidewalk news conference, abuse victims will disclose that a local doctor, sued earlier this month for the second time for sexual battery, also

--was accused in 2011 of assaulting a third patient, and

--was arrested and charged with “driving under the influence” of alcohol.

The group will also

--blast any of the doctor’s colleagues who did not report or try to stop his “hurtful crimes,”

--push law enforcement and Health Dept. officials to “take action to protect others,” and

--urge anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered his crimes to call law enforcement and file formal complaints with the state health department

Victims want predators’ names from North CA dioceses

Last year, six Catholic institutions in Minnesota did this

Last month, Seattle archbishop released 77 predators’ names

Another may do so next month; 30 bishops have taken this step

But at least 2,800 accused priests’ names remain hidden,” group says

SNAP: “San Jose & San Francisco dioceses are among biggest offenders”

Some perps are still near kids now as teachers & therapists, victims say

“Spotlight-style investigations still needed in most cities,” organization charges

WHAT

Holding signs and childhood photos while giving leaflets to mass-goers in ten cities – including Oakland - clergy sex abuse victims and concerned parishioners will urge Catholic bishops in the nation’s largest dioceses to disclose the names of 2,800 accused predator priests whose identities are still hidden. They will also

--commend the 30 bishops who have posted pedophile priests on their websites,

--urge employers and neighbors to “google search” ex-priests they know & see if they’re accused,

--push for ending or extending the statute of limitations so more predators are exposed,

--beg all Catholic employees to “aggressively seek out others who may have seen, suspected or suffered child sex crimes” by these and other child molesting clerics, and

--prod church-goers to see the film Spotlight and urge family and friends to do likewise.

Sunday, February 28 Events 

Oakland

Oakland Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison Street

Sunday, February 28 at 11:00 am

Contact: Melanie Jula Sakoda 925-708-6175 cell, [email protected], Tim Lennon 415-312-5820,[email protected] 

Los Angeles

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W Temple Street

Sunday, February 28 at 10:45 am

Contact Barbara Blaine, 312-399-4747 [email protected]

Why is it important that predator priests’ names are exposed?

First, because it’s the quickest, easiest, cheapest and most effective way to protect kids now. If a chemical company CEO knows of 20 or 30 places in a city where toxic chemicals have been dumped, her first duty is to warn the public. (Then, she must of course fence in the properties, put up ‘DANGER’ signs and take other remedial steps.)

Since bishops recruited, educated, ordained, hired, trained, transferred and shielded these predators – often until criminal statutes of limitations expired so prosecution wasn’t possible – the LEAST bishops can do is make it easier for police, prosecutors, parents, parishioners and the public to learn who these predators are so they can keep their loved ones away from them.

Second, because it helps heal the wounded. Somewhere, there’s an elderly Catholic mom on her knees praying “God forgive me for being a bad parent. Sally has an eating disorder and Bill is an alcoholic. I’ve obviously done something wrong.” When she sees Fr. John Smith exposed as a predator, she calls her kids and they acknowledge “Yes, he molested me,” and the whole family begins to stop blaming themselves and start their recovery. (“The truth,” the Bible says, “shall set us free.”)

In 10 cities in the US this weekend (Sat. Feb. 27 & Sunday, Feb. 28), survivors and advocates will hand out this leaflet to mass-goers.  

Please help protect kids!

Tell your bishop to post predators’ names

WHO WE ARE

We are concerned Catholics, clergy sex abuse victims and their loved ones. We belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)