Statement Regarding Guilty Plea
of Archdiocese of Cincinnati

November 19, 2003

SNAP Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis,
SNAP National Director - 314 566 9790

"We're very disappointed. The prosecutor clearly means well and has worked hard but has given up an opportunity to do what prosecutors do best: hold individual wrongdoers accountable for their wrongdoing.

Catholics, parents and victims deserve the full truth of these crimes and the cover ups. Sadly, that truth often emerges only in a courtroom when high ranking church officials are forced, under oath and before a jury, to admit how they allowed kids to be hurt. This opportunity has now been lost.

More promises to do better in the future (with respect to reporting suspected crimes) is woefully inadequate.

In the corporate world, nothing deters future crimes like seeing a CEO or CFO facing criminal charges, a trial, and possibly jail time. The same is true here. Individual church leaders commited these crimes and should be held accountable for them."