For immediate release:
Thursday July 27, 2006

For further information:
Christy Miller of West Chester--Co-Leader—Cincinnati SNAP (513) 383-2198
Dan Frondorf of Price Hill—Co-Leader—Cincinnati SNAP (513) 706-7403

Statement by Cincinnati SNAP, concerning Judge Potter’s ruling this morning on releasing the victims’ names in the class action suit against the Diocese of Covington.

This ruling is wrong-headed and counter-productive. We fear it will discourage others who are suffering in shame and self-blame from coming forward, getting help, and exposing predators.

These courageous victims should be praised, not coerced. They should be honored, not harassed.

While we trust that law enforcement will shield the privacy of these brave but wounded victims, we ache for the fear and betrayal they must feel, heaped on top of the trauma they suffered as children and the on-going pain they experience as adults.

If the judge truly wants to get information about sex crimes to the proper authorities, he should lean on church officials who covered up those crimes, not on victims who experienced those crimes. Rather than pressure those in pain, the judge should prod those in power.

For extensive documentation on clergy sex crimes and cover ups, there's a 'one stop shop.' It's the bishop's office. That's where the judge should be targeting his efforts.