« SNAP's Leaflet for Cardinal Law's Mass | Main | Sex Abuse Victims To Name Predator Priests In/Near Rome »
April 10, 2005
Sex Abuse Victims To Leaflet Outside Mass in Rome
April 10, 2005 [SNAP Press Release]
MEDIA ADVISORY ABOUT SNAP ACTIVITIES IN ROME
Sex Abuse Victims To Leaflet Outside Mass in Rome
US-Based Group Upset About Cardinal Law's Prominent Role
They Urge Cardinals To Speak Up For Victims
More SNAP Members Will Head To Vatican Later This Week
WHAT:
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy molestation victims will hold a news conference and
-- publicly urge Catholic Cardinals to insist that Cardinal Bernard Law be replaced in all services for the Pope,
-- speak out against the Vatican's hurtful decision to give Law high profile honors during a time when wounded Catholics are trying to focus on the Pope's life and death, and
-- urge anyone who was sexually assaulted by clergy to come forward and get help.
The victims are upset that church leaders stand silently by while Vatican officials rub salt into the wounds of already suffering victims and their families by giving Law such honors.
WHEN:
TODAY, Monday, April 11, 3:00 p.m. (Rome time)
WHERE:
Just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square in Rome
WHO:
Two US women who were sexually molested by priests and are leaders of the largest American support group for sexual abuse victims - SNAP - the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a Chicago-based self-help organization of 5,000+ members
WHY:
Vatican officials have chosen, and Cardinals have apparently approved, ousted U.S. Cardinal Bernard Law to lead a special mass this evening, Monday, April 11th, in Rome to mourn the Pope's death. Law resigned as Boston's Cardinal in 2002 and was sent to Rome to live after being exposed for covering up thousands of sex crimes by his clergy in Boston.
SNAP members are upset that church officials essentially ratified Law's actions by allowing him this position of honor and prominence. Law publicly rubs salt into the wounds of thousands of victims and Catholics.
Despite horrific sex crimes and cover ups by Catholic clergy, many victims and troubled Catholics have held onto their faith and are sad about the pope's passing. They deserve a chance to focus on Pope's life and mourn his passing without the horrific distraction Law has become.
The group believes that Law's prominence in Rome is bringing more pain to already suffering victims and more sadness to already embarrassed Catholics. The group wants American Cardinals and other bishops to find the courage to break the code of silence in their church hierarchy, speak out on behalf of children raped in the church, and insist that Law be replaced and/or given no such honors in the future.
SNAP also plans to try and speak with Vatican officials this week in Rome and stress that the next Pope should be more pro-active, effective and compassionate in dealing with the world-wide sex abuse crisis.
SNAP is the USA's largest support group for people victimized by clergy.
CONTACT:
In Rome:
Barbara Blaine of Chicago, SNAP founder and president (in Rome) 312 399 4747
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director (Grand Hotel Tiberio at Via Lattanzio 51)
In the US:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director (314) 566 9790 cell
Mark Serrano of Washington DC, SNAP national board member (571) 223 0042 work
Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP national board member (414) 429 7259 cell
Mary Grant of Long Beach CA, SNAP western regional director (626) 419 2930
Mary Guentner of Milwaukee, SNAP Wisconsin coordinator (414) 418 3191 cell
Posted by Nancy at April 10, 2005 11:59 PM