Media Statements

A support group for victims of clergy sex abuse is calling on Stockton’s Catholic bishop to “rein in his flock” after parishioners rallied around a priest who was found guilty of sexually molesting an altar boy.

We are glad that a jury has convicted Dean Hopkins of his crimes. Children are always safer when predators are in jail, and this conviction will certainly protect children in the Osage County area. When sentencing takes place in June, we look forward to a long sentence that will continue to protect children in Oklahoma.

We are hopeful that this trial will bring healing to the victims of Louis Spadaccini. It is very rare that victims of childhood sexual abuse are given a chance to have their day in court , and while it may be difficult for them to go over the sexual violence inflicted on them by this alleged predator, we remain optimistic that hearing the truth become public will prove cathartic. 

This story is a sad reminder of how often “more of the same” is perpetuated nationwide by church officials. It is beyond disappointing that a decade after top church officials pledged to be open and honest about clergy sex crimes, we continue to find out how bishops use retreat centers and other parishes to hide priests who are suspected child predators.

We are pleased that the case against Bishop Finn will move forward. This is the first time that a Bishop has faced criminal charges for his role in a cover-up, and we are hopeful that the full truth will come out in a trial.

A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is asking New York’s Cardinal Tim Dolan to disinvite one of his controversial colleagues who is set to preach tomorrow at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

No matter what the “age of consent” is, it is always hurtful and dangerous when someone abuses their position of authority to have sex with a minor. It is especially troubling because it is impossible to guarantee that Lim waited until his victim became 17; the abuse could easily have started much earlier. 

We are members of a Chicago-based international support group called SNAP. Our mission is to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable.

We’re here today, outside the Great Falls/Billings Catholic Diocese headquarters, for four reasons:

We are members of a Chicago-based international support group called SNAP. Our mission is to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable.

We’re here today, outside the Toledo Catholic Diocese headquarters, for three reasons:

We are glad that that Fr. Fernando Sayasaya - a former Fargo priest - will be returned to the United States to face a trial for his crimes. It is rare that victims of a predator priest have the chance to see the justice system work in their favor. We are hopeful that this trial will give them some peace and will protect children from this child molesting cleric.