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])
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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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
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.