Statement on
The Death of John Geoghan

By: Barbara Blaine, President
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)

August 23, 2003

“Our prayers go out to the victims of Father John Geoghan as well as to the Geoghan family.

Father Geoghan left a long trail of suffering, pain, and devastation for the more than 100 children he sexually abused, as well as their family members. Yet, Geoghan was a very small part of the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal.

Violence does not solve the problem of clerical sexual abuse or promote healing among victims. It can never be condoned. Rather, victims often find healing by helping and supporting one another and working to ensure that no more children suffer as we did.”

For Additional Information:

Barbara Blaine: 312-399-4747
David Clohessy: 314-566-9790
Phil Saviano in Boston: 617-983-5075
Mark Serrano: 703-727-4940 (cell), 703-771-9606 (office)