Rome- Pope ousts extravagant bishop; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
The pope has ousted an extravagant German bishop. He continues to act to protect church funds but refuses to act to protect vulnerable kids. That may sound harsh but it's true.
One must assume Francis is ousting the “Bishop of Bling” to deter future financial waste. But he does nothing to deter future abuse cover ups.
He's sending a signal to prelates, basically saying “Don't selfishly misuse your power by using church resources to enhance your comfort by building fancy homes.” But he sends no signal to prelates basically saying “Don't selfishly misuse your power by using church resources to enhance your reputation – by hiding clergy sex crimes.”
When it comes to finances and governance, Francis moves quickly and boldly. When it comes to children and crimes, Francis most slowly and timidly.
Every single step Francis takes towards improving the health of church's finances is a painful reminder that he's taking no steps to improve the safety of the church's children.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 25 years and have more than 15,000 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 - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
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I believe that ALL of the catholic church heirarchy, including both living popes (francis and benedict), should be forced to re-read the following portions of the New Testament, every day.
Matthew 18:6
Mark 9:42
and, Luke 17:2
When will those leaders ( a single Cardinal or Bishop) who allowed the destruction of the lives of our children be held accountable?