MN- Names of child molesting clerics revealed
For immediate release: Monday, December 9, 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])
We’re glad that three new names of credibly accused child molesting Minnesota Catholic clerics are now public.
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_24686656/st-johns-abbey-lists-monks-suspected-child-sex
But let’s remember some history.
Thirty years have passed since the first pedophile priest made national headlines in the US (Fr. Gilbert Gauthe in Louisiana). More than a decade has passed since US Catholic officials pledged to be “open” about clergy sex crimes.
So it’s sad that even now, in 2013, Catholic officials are hiding the identities of hundreds (perhaps thousands) of credibly accused child molesters. It’s a shame that Catholic officials only reveal these predators’ names under pressure from brave victims.
Now, St. John’s officials should
--permanently post these names on their websites,
-- provide the work histories, photos and current whereabouts of each cleric,
--put these clerics in a remote, secure, independent treatment center far away from kids and from families with whom they have built up trust,
--beg victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to call police so that both these predators and those who concealed their crimes might be prosecuted, and
--urge St. Cloud’s bishop to post them in all his parish bulletins and websites.
And they should include on their list four clerics they disclosed earlier, all of whom sexually exploited vulnerable adults: John Eidenschink, Steven Lilly, James Kelly and Isaac Connolly.
Our hearts ache for every person who was hurt at St. John’s, especially those who were betrayed twice – first by a predatory cleric, then again by callous St. John’s officials.
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Bob Schwiderski, SNAP Minnesota director (952 471 3422, [email protected])
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
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