Thursday, Feb. 26, 2003

Statement by John Salveson of Philadelphia,
who was sexually abused in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY. He heads the Philadelphia SNAP chapter.

"Potentially involving more lay people is always good, but true justice and real change will happen in the civil and criminal courts, not in secretive, bishop-run church structures. The fact remains that clerics will sometimes hold all three positions and will always have a majority on the panels. Bishops can still choose to exclude lay people and the only eligible lay people are those with experience on church tribunals already.

Lay Catholics and abuse victims will understand that this is a very slight improvement which in no way negates the overwhelming need for serious legislative reforms, especially repealing or extending criminal and civil statutes of limitations.

SNAP is the nation's largest support group for clergy molestation victims. Based in Chicago, SNAP started has more than 4,500 members in virtually every state, and monthly support group meetings in 44 cities."

For more information:

David Clohessy of St. Louis, National Director (314) 566 9790 cell
Mark Serrano of Leesburg VA, Board Member (703) 771 9606,
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, President (312) 399 4747 cell