Spain--The clergy sex abuse scandal plaguing Granada

Pope must immediately fire archbishop.

Statement by Miguel Hurtado of London (UK), Spokesperson of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

(+44 (0)7 787 63 82 45 [email protected])

Ten priests have been charged for either child abuse or covering up the crime in the biggest clergy sex abuse case in Spain’s history.  So far four courageous victims have come forward. We fear that the number could be significantly higher.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31013653  

The response by Granada’s Archbishop, Francisco Javier Martínez has been deeply concerning.  He has only suspended the three priests directly accused of child abuse. His refusal to suspend the seven priests charged for covering up the crime sends the appalling message that enabling, tolerating, cooperating and covering up child rape is acceptable behavior that should not be punished.   

Pope Francis has been praised for significant reforms in Church finances and governance. Unfortunately no such progress has been made in holding accountable Church officials who enable child rape. Fairly or not, his lack of action gives the impression that the Vatican is more concerned about its financial well being than children’s welfare.

The judge in the case has made it clear that covering up child rape is a despicable crime. Pope Francis should send the message that this behavior is not going to be tolerated in his Church by immediately firing Granada’s Archbishop. After all, Christ’s Church should bring lightness to the world and not darkness. As long as men like Martinez continue to hold powerful posts, clergy sex rape will continue to flourish in the Church.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We were founded in 1988 and have more than 20,000 members. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)

Contact:

Miguel Hurtado +44 (0)7 787 63 82 45, [email protected]

David Clohessy +1-314-566-9790, [email protected]

Barbara Dorris +1-314-503-0003, [email protected]

Barbara Blaine +1-312-399-4747, [email protected]