Statement Regarding:

President of Loyola University Resigns Facing Sexual Abuse Allegations

October 7, 2003 - Statement by
SNAP national director David Clohessy of St. Louis
(314 566 9790)

"It's a very hard lesson for many to learn, but the plain truth is that many molesters are very powerful, popular and charismatic individuals.

It's comforting to believe that abusers are obvious social misfits, but nothing could be further from the truth. Often, they have terrific social and interpersonal skills, skills that they unfortunately use to gain access to vulnerable youngsters.

This allegation about Rev. Bernard Knoth, Loyola University President, is the third molestation allegation in the past month involving hig-profile Jesuits, including four civil lawsuits against Fr. John Powell (a prominent author), and two civil lawsuits against Fr. Donald McGuire (a former counselor and teacher at Loyola Academy in Chicago, the city's most prestigeous private Catholic high school).

We applaud the person who had the courage to come forward. We hope that if there are others who have been victimized, they too find the strength to report their experiences and begin to get the healing they need and deserve."