Media Statements

Child sex abuse victims are, by definition, children. So they can sometimes get details wrong, especially about time and place. It’s premature and hurtful for anyone to assume that Bernie Fine's defense lawyers are right when they claim to have found exculpatory evidence. 

With every new Sandusky victim that steps forward, his former colleagues and supervisors seem more and more irresponsible. Every new victim makes it less and less likely that only a few around Sandusky knew or suspected his wrongdoing. Every new victim suggests that more individuals at Penn State and the Second Mile are culpable.

Situations like these are exactly why the archaic, predator friendly statutes of limitations need to be changed. When the DA himself must apologize to victims, knowing they are unable to hold them accountable for their crimes, lawmakers everywhere should be looking for ways to resolve the problem. We hope that the DA will join us in our call for statute of limitations reform, and we urge the NY Legislature to take up this important task.

Dear Archbishop Dolan; 

We are clergy sex abuse victims and supporters. We belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Our mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded.

We are saddened that the Fort Wayne – South Bend Diocese did not disclose all the information they had regarding Fr. Thomas Lombardi’s crimes when they announced his removal. In an effort to live up to their pledge to be open and honest about clergy sex cases, the Diocese should have revealed when and where the abuse took place. 

Whatever became of all those promises by Catholic officials to be 'open' about pedophile priests? And that 'one strike and you're out' pledge?

We’re very upset by reports that the Maricopa County sheriff has failed to follow through on child sex abuse reports and investigations. Every single man, woman and child who finds the courage to call law enforcement about a known or suspected child predator deserves a prompt and thorough response from officials.

A Catholic priest who spent nearly a decade in Oregon was arrested late last week in California on child sex charges. He attended Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Ore., from 1998 to 2007.

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will be a more healthy institution without Rev. Eddie Long. He’s clearly a self-aggrandizing egomaniac who abuses his power to gain financial and sexual pleasure.

Fr. Kelleher’s admission of guilt brings some comfort to his victims. It also shows, however, the continuing callousness, recklessness and secrecy of North Carolina Catholic officials.