Child porn priest was involved in Boy Scouts

Victims to hold meeting in St. Joseph tomorrow

Accused cleric to appear in court tomorrow

Group also wants Finn’s new consultant to face parishioners

Listen to the flock, don’t just read bishop’s policies, SNAP says

WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse victims will disclose that
--they’ve learned that a recently arrested Kansas City priest has also been active in Boy Scouts,
--they’re holding a meeting with concerned parishioners tomorrow night in St. Joseph MO

The group will also urge the Kansas City bishop’s new attorney/consultant to
--postpone the deadline for his report to the diocese and
--meet face-to-face with parishioners, victims and child abuse experts before writing his report and recommendations for reform.

WHEN
TODAY, Wednesday, June 15, 2:15 p.m.

WHERE:
Outside the Kansas City chancery (diocesan headquarters) at 20 West Ninth Street, Kansas City, MO

WHO
Three-five members of a victims’ self-help group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including a St. Louis man who is the organization’s long time director.

WHY
1.SNAP has found online an undated article in a National Catholic Committee on Scouting publication, which reports that Fr. Shawn Ratigan “had an enjoyable Scout experience in Troop 306,” (possibly based in Blue Springs) and “continues to support Catholic Scouting.” Ratigan was arrested last month on child porn charges.

Two Scout troops are active at parishes where Ratigan worked. Scout Troop 601 is based at St. Thomas More in Kansas City, MO and Girl Scout Troop 2291 is based at St. Mary’s Parish in St. Joseph, MO. The article indicates he was involved in scouting as a kid too. (The story was written while Ratigan was pastor in St. Joseph.)

SNAP is urging local Scouting officials to reach out to others who may have been victimized by Ratigan.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2005_01_NCCS_Vocations_Committee_Ratigan_Scouting_Story.pdf

2. SNAP is hosting a meeting for Catholics and other concerned community members tomorrow, Thursday, June 16 at the East Hills Library, 502 N. Woodbine in St. Joseph from 7-9 p.m. The goal is to give parishioners “a safe, confidential place to vent frustrations and get support, plus some of the straight answers they deserve but aren’t getting from Bishop Robert Finn”

3. SNAP is also contacting Todd Graves, a lawyer and consultant hired recently by Finn. Graves has been instructed to look at how the diocese handles abuse cases and issue a report to Finn within 45 days. Though skeptical of Graves’ role and Finn’s intentions, SNAP wants Graves to meet with its leaders and its Kansas City members. The group also wants Graves to hold a series of open public meetings with Catholics before writing his report.

4. Ratigan is set for a hearing tomorrow in Clay County Court (Division 7) before Judge Janet Sutton at 1:30 p.m.

CONTACT
David Clohessy 314 566 9790 cell, [email protected], Mike Hunter 913-634-6490, Barbara Dorris 314 503 0003, [email protected]