Clergy sex abuse victims announce new group in Austria

Its goal is to both “heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable”

Small group will hand out leaflets to parishioners leaving mass

Because Pope refuses to act, they reach out to “others who are in pain”

Victims want church to announce the identities of all predator priests

US man who was molested by priest visits several European nations

He calls Austria “best chance for reform” in the church because of laity

SNAP says those with information on clergy crimes & cover ups mst “speak up”

WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos, two-four clergy sex abuse victims – from the US and from Austria - will hand out fliers to parishioners as they leave mass
-- expressing their concern for vulnerable children and wounded adults in Austria,
-- praising Austrian laity for being more outspoken than Catholics are in many countries,
-- announcing the formation of a confidential self help group for Austrian clergy abuse victims,
-- urging Catholics who are reducing their donations to give generously elsewhere, and
-- begging anyone who saw, suspected or suffer clergy sex crimes to speak up, call police, get help, expose predators, protect others and start healing.

WHEN
Sunday, 13 June, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE
In front of the St. Stephen's Catholic Cathedral in Vienna

WHO
Two-three clergy sex abuse victims including a US man who is a veteran leader in the world’s largest & most highly visible support group for clergy sex abuse victims, called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org)

WHY
In response to the clergy sex abuse scandal engulfing Europe, and to pleas for help from European victims, SNAP is launching a permanent self help group in Austria and holding public outreach and media events in several European nations this week.

Over the past 22 years, SNAP has learned that victims heal best when they break their silence, name their abuser, and get help from independent sources like therapists and self-help groups. Children are best safeguarded, SNAP feels, when victims, witnesses and whistleblowers find the courage to speak up and call law enforcement.

SNAP is disappointed in the Pope’s most recent apology, issued on Thursday, because despite horrific crimes and on-going cover ups, the pontiff still refuses to take decisive actions to better safeguard children.

But the group believes that because of a generally more outspoken laity, the prospects for creating a more open and healthy church are greater in Austria than in other nations. SNAP will urge Austrian Catholics to continue pushing for “real reforms.”

Formed in 1988 and based Chicago IL (USA), SNAP has 9,000+ members in the US and around the world. It is a confidential non-profit group. Its mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded. SNAP has no affiliation with any church organization and helps victims hurt in any denomination.

CONTACT
Peter Isely + 338-456-7879 (Italian cell)
Sissy Kammerlander. 06645191315 ([email protected])
Barbara Dorris, +1 314-503-0003 ([email protected])
Joelle Casteix +1 949-322-7434 ([email protected]), 338-456-7942 (Italian cell)
(US contact: David Clohessy, 314-566-9790, US cell, Central Time, [email protected]