Abuse Victims Respond to Possibility
of New Cardinals

Statement by David Cerulli of New York City, a board member of SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), the nation's largest and most active support group for women and men victimized by clergy

Sept. 26, 2003

"The scandals of child rape by Catholic clergy over recent decades in America were made possible largely through a void of moral leadership by bishops. These new cardinals have an opportunity, indeed an obligation, to change the culture of the hierarchy, from one that evades scandal and responsibility to one that embraces victims of clergy abuse everywhere. We hope that thesse new cardinals will demonstrate to the Catholic faithful that the church leaders will implement real reforms that allow for greater lay involvement and no more tolerance for members of the clergy who sexually exploit children.

We're grateful that the Pope spoke so forcefully last spring when he said "There is no place in the priesthood for anyone who would hurt a child." We hope the new cardinals take his remarks to heart.

Historically, the Holy Father has chosen bishops who have tended to be very cautious, loyal managers, rather than courageous, compassionate pastors. We hope that the new cardinals who has treat abuse victims sensitively and treat abuse prevention seriously."

Contacts:
Barbara Blaine (312) 399-4747 cell
David Clohessy (314) 566 9790 cell or (314) 645 5915
Peter Isely (414) 429-7259 cell
Mark Serrano (703) 727-4940 cell