MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDS., JULY 27:

Sex Abuse Victims Want Predators' Names Posted

They Urge Bishop To Visit Each Parish Where Molesters Worked

Church Leaders Should Work More On Prevention, SNAP Says

Victims Offer to Speak To Catholic Parishes & Groups

WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims (including some who have recently settled civil lawsuits) will prod local Catholic church officials to
-- permanently post on the church web site the names of admitted, proven, and credibly accused pedophile priests,
-- aggressively reach out to other victims and witnesses and encouarge them to call law enforcement,
-- use church bulletins and the diocesan newspaper to publicize an independent self-help group for abuse victims, and
-- work harder to help prosecute abusive clerics who have fled the country.

WHEN
TODAY, Wednesday, July 27, 10:15 a.m.

WHERE
Outside the Sacramanto Catholic Diocese headquarters (aka "chancery office") 2110 Broadway, in Sacramento

WHO
Four clergy molestation victims who belong to SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a support group (including the group's national director from St. Louis)

WHY
Thirty three Sacramento area men and women who were sexually assaulted by priests recently reached a $35 million settlement with Bishop William Weigand. They are urging Catholic officials, however, to work harder on preventing future abuse. Specifically, they want Weigand to publicize the identities of all admitted, proven, and credibly accused abusive clerics, so it will be harder for them to gain access to kids. (Roughly eight US bishops have taken this step.)

Members of the group also want Catholic pastors to allow them to speak with parishioners at church functions, so that lay people can better understand the impact of abuse and how to best prevent it.

CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis MO, SNAP National Director 314 566 9790 cell