MN - Why MN predator priests get more $$ than non-offenders

For immediate release: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 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])

Some Minnesota child molesting clerics get paid more than their non-offending peers, a new MinnPost story reveals.

There’s a simple explanation: blackmail.

Predator priests are often cunning and selfish and insist on more money. We believe that bishops comply out of fear. They are scared that unless they comply, predator priests may tell what they know and suspect about other wrongdoing in the church – sexual and financial. And bishops – more than anything else – desperately want to avoid being dragged into a public scandal.

There’s an old saying: “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.” Bishops realize that priests know a lot about private misdeeds in their dioceses. This is especially true of predator priests. So if bishops “crack down” or threaten to “crack down” on predators, those predators can retaliate by disclosing wrongdoing by their peers or supervisors.

That’s why some predator priests get special treatment and “sweetheart deals.” That’s one reason why some get their tuition paid to return to school and get degrees in teaching or counseling (like Fr. Patrick O’Donnell in Seattle).

(There’s a noteworthy case in Paterson NJ involving a Fr. James Hanley who was defrocked and then gave a detailed and embarrassing interview to victims’ attorney Greg Gianforcaro, [email protected])

It’s true, as one of Archbishop John Nienstedt’s public relations staffers says “Every bishop is required by canon law to provide financial support for priests.” It’s not true, however, that bishops must cut special deals with predators.

And it’s pathetic for Nienstedt to admit, again through one of his public relations staffers, that concerns about whether a predator priest might “find secular employment” are considered. Concerns for the safety of kids and the healing of victims must come before concerns for the comfort of criminals.

The bottom line: Twin Cities Catholic officials apparently cannot be trusted with the real protection of kids or the wise use of money.

Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Bob Schwiderski (952 471 3422, [email protected])

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Showing 4 comments

  • Michael Ference
    commented 2013-10-24 12:22:00 -0500
    I’m going to hold a protest soon in front of the Pittsburgh Diocese offices on the Blvd. of the Allies in Pittsburgh, PA. If anyone would like to join me I will probably stage the event on a Monday or Tuesday at 11:00 am. Not sure what dates yet, may do it as early as the 28th or 29th of October.

    The purpose is to force the diocese to admit my story of the University of Pittsburgh student is true or deny it ever happened. If you’re interested in attending let me know. 412-233-5491
  • Michael Ference
    commented 2013-10-23 22:47:25 -0500
    The dysfunctional sex freaks (offending priests) have the goods to blackmail bishops and cardinals. It’s that simple. The case of Father John Wellinger from the Pittsburgh Diocese is a classic example. Bevilacqua when the bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese when Father Wellinger drugged a University of Pittsburgh student and the entire event was covered up. Even though a paper trail exists from the diocese to the victim’s father.

    Not only was Father John Wellinger a dysfunctional sex freak; he was a skilled and probably highly trained predator. Here’s why the local media won’t touch this case, Wellinger also lured and abused the college student’s mother. Wellinger had enough to blackmail Bevilacqua, WUerl and current Pittsburgh Diocesan head honcho Zubik.

    Sadly, Wellinger was also been able to silence the family. But since this original crime, (notice I did not use alleged) at least two suicides have taken place involving victims associated with Wellinger, at least one attempted murder, and scores of victims.

    Anyone reading this post interested in exposing the Pittsburgh Diocese may contact me at 412-233-5491. Or, we can let the criminals run the prison.
  • Annette Kissell Nestler
    commented 2013-10-23 16:26:52 -0500
    Go Barbara!!!
  • @ tweeted this page. 2013-10-23 10:38:31 -0500

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