Media Statements

Cleric allegedly abused in Monterey, San Jose & San Francisco 

Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, SNAP Western Regional Director, [email protected], (949) 322-7434

Coming forward to expose abuse is never easy, especially when an predator is still working as a priest in one of the largest archdioceses in the United States. We applaud the three brave victims who came forward to report being abused by Fr. Donald Flickinger. Were it not for their action, Flickinger would still be living and working as a priest around children in San Francisco.

For immediate release: Thursday, Sept. 26

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

We respectfully disagree with DA Seth Williams. The Philadelphia archdiocese deserves no kudos for reporting this priest to law enforcement. And one incident cannot be deemed some sort of “sea change” in a long-standing, deeply-rooted culture of secrecy, recklessness, callousness and deceit.

Church officials reported Fr. Brennan, we believe, because they didn’t want to go to jail like Msgr. William Lynn has. It’s self-interest, not reform, that prompted this call.

For immediate release: Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013

Statement by Karen Polesir of Philadelphia SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (267-992-9463, [email protected])

Prosecutors in Philadelphia will announce the arrest of a suspected predator priest at a news conference this morning.

“Discrimination!” “We’re being singled out.” “The DA doesn’t call a news conference to announce the arrest of a child molesting Lutheran pastor or Methodist minister.”

Apologists for Archbishop Charles Chaput and others in the corrupt archdiocesan hierarchy will no doubt make these claims.

It was scheduled to start this week

Alleged child molester faces two accusers

For immediate release: Wednesday, Sept. 25

For more information: David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell,[email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003cell, [email protected])

For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 24

Statement by Mark Crawford, SNAP New Jersey Director (732-632-7687, [email protected])

Many Catholic feel hopeful because of the new coadjutor archbishop of Newark. Their hopes will soon be dashed, however, unless he takes clear, strong steps very soon to better safeguard kids.

So we publicly beg Archbishop Bernard Hebda to insist that the archdiocese post names of predator priests on its website. This is the quickest, safest and cheapest way Catholic officials can safeguard children – to let parishioners and the public know who the proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesting clerics are.

For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])

After six months of virtual silence (and complete inaction), a pope finally addresses the continuing clergy sex crime and cover up crisis in the church. The problem is: it’s the wrong pope. And it’s the wrong message.

Pope Benedict, the retired pope, now denies ever covering up heinous, world-wide sexual violence against children. We obviously and vehemently disagree. (That’s why we have filed and continue pursuing a formal complaint against Benedict and three of his colleagues at the International Criminal Court.)

For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])

Pope Benedict now claims he never covered up for predator priests. He could not be more wrong.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/24/us-pope-abuse-idUSBRE98N0GX20130924

Over a clerical career that lasted more than six decades, we can’t think of a single child molesting bishop, priest, nun, brother or seminarian than Benedict ever exposed.

He allegedly sexually harassed someone 15 years ago

Victims’ group says archbishop breaks pledge of “openness”

And group wants archbishop to “come clean” about other predator priests

In sharply worded letter, SNAP blasts “recklessness, callousness and deceit”

For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013

For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director 314-566-9790 cell, [email protected], Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director 314-862-7688, [email protected]

FROM: Bishop Bernard J. Harrington

DATE: September 22, 1997

RE: Sexual Harassment Case/Fr. Lou Grandpre/St. Paul of Tarsus

For immediate release: Monday, Sept. 23, 2013

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])

A coadjutor bishop has been named for the Newark Archdiocese.

http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/newark-get-coadjutor-archbishop

Any step, however small, that in any way reduces Archbishop John Myers’ authority or status is positive. At the same time, however, Pope Francis is again missing a clear opportunity to discipline, demote, denounce or even defrock a blatantly reckless, callous and deceitful prelate and send a powerful signal that cover ups will no longer be tolerated.