PA--SNAP responds: Two priests removed in Erie

For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018

Statement by Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Leader, 636-433-2511, [email protected]

We applaud these brave victims for stepping forward and reporting their abuse. While Bishop Lawrence Persico has contacted local law enforcement we hope that he will take some additional steps to encourage victims, witnesses and whistle-blowers to come forward.

http://www.erienewsnow.com/story/37497453/two-diocese-of-erie-priests-removed-from-ministry-prohibited-from-contact-with-minors 

We say to anyone who has been harmed by Father Sean Kerins and/or Father David Poulsen that you did nothing wrong, that help is available.

It's never too late to come forward about being sexually abused.

While these crimes happen in secret we believe that others may have information that may be helpful. All information, no matter how old or insignificant you feel it may should be reported to law enforcement.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We were founded in 1988 and have more than 25,000 members. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)

Contact - Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Judy Jones, (636-433-2511, [email protected])