For more information:
David Clohessy, 314-566-9790

St. Louis Archbishop Spends More On Public Relations

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis
SNAP National Director
December 22, 2004

"For the second time in two years, St. Louis' Catholic archbishop is adding yet another PR big shot to his payroll.

While innocent kids are at risk of being molested and while victimized adults are still in pain, Burke is working harder to keep his sex abuse secrets hidden and put the best 'spin' on the continuing cover up of sex crimes by clergy.

It's shameful that Burke pressures childhood rape victims to settle for $10,000 while paying hundreds of thousands to high-priced lawyers and PR men.

Parishoners will likely never know how much of their donations Burke devotes to public relations and legal defense costs. Still, for the sake of openness, we hope this sad new move will prod Catholics to insist on more financial accountability from their archbishop.

In a few months, let's hope Mr. Allman does what other current and past archdiocesan employees have done: examine his conscience and begin to quietly disclose information that will keep kids safe and help victims heal."

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/10470515.htm