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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Statements


Archbishop Rigali's Promotion

STATEMENT by Barbara Dorris, St. Louis SNAP leader
(314) 862 7688

Tuesday, July 15, 2003

'We wish Archbishop Rigali well but have found him to be among the least open and compassionate of bishops.

He has never been a pioneer in this area, and in fact has been inaccessible and unsympathetic toward victims.

In the last 13 years, neither he nor anyone on his staff has met with our local SNAP chapter, despite repeated efforts on our part.

In the last 4 weeks, 7 individuals have filed civil suits against a priest, Michael S. McGrath. We have repeated begged Archbishop Rigali to reach out to others who were victimized. (A church official has publicly acknowledged that the archdiocese had heard from at least 10 alleged victims before McGrath left active ministry several years ago.) Instead, Rigali has essentially been silent.

Just two months ago, a St. Louis archdiocesan priest, Bryan Kuchar, wore his clerical garb throughout his three day criminal sex abuse trial, in clear violation of the Dallas charter. Again, Rigali was silent.

He has also severely mishandled a number of cases, involving Fr. Leroy Valentine (3/3/02 New York Times), Fr. Paul Rothschild, Fr. Bruce Forman and others.

It's disturbing to see Rigali winning a promotion, given this track record."

For more information:
David Clohessy 314 566 9790
Bob Swart 314 645 4163, 314 865 2112

 


Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org