SNAP responds: 3 more priests removed from Pittsburgh Diocese

For immediate release, August 31, 2018

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

We have just now learned that 3 priests have been removed for child sex abuse in the Pittsburgh diocese.

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/08/31/john-bauer-bernard-costello-hugh-lang-sexual-abuse-allegations/ 

First of all, we are wondering why it took Bishop Zubik so long to make these accusations public from the time that it was reported. The delay enables unfettered supervision—were more children, minors, and vulnerable adults harmed?. Could the accused have time to intimidate witnesses and destroy evidence? They should have been exposed immediately.

Also, we now urge Zubik to go to every parish where Fr John Bauer, Fr Bernard Costello and Fr Hugh Lang have worked and reach out to anyone who may have knowledge or may have been harmed and urge them to contact law enforcement. 

We are encouraged that victims who are still suffering in silence and shame are coming forward, we urge them to contact police no matter how long ago it happened.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network, is the world's oldest and largest support group for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings. SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 25,000 survivors and supporters. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org ) 

Contact  -   Judy Jones, (636-433-2511, [email protected]), Tim Lennon (415-312-5820, [email protected]), Becky Ianni (703-801-6044, [email protected]