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6 More California Accused Abusive Priests and 1 Parish Worker are Publicly Disclosed December 22, 2003 In Unusual Move, Victims Name Alleged Molesters on Web Site SNAP to California Bishops, "Protect Kids, Not Abusers" Holding posters naming accused child molesters, clergy sexual abuse victims will publicly disclose the names of six current and former Southern California priests and one church lay employee who have been or will soon be accused of sexual crimes in civil lawsuits. Most, if not all of the names have not been publicly exposed until today.
They will also urge church leaders to: - include those from other dioceses who are accused and worked here temporarily.
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WHY/DETAILS: The group’s goal is to warn parents and prospective employers about these men and their past criminal behavior, so that kids can be safe. The St. Louis chapter of SNAP recently took a similar step, posting the names of nearly 30 clergy who had molested kids (SEE SNAPmidwest.org) The group will also quote from the Dallas Charter, enacted by all American Catholic bishops in June 2002, which promises "openness and transparency" regarding abuse.
The founder of the nation's largest support group for clergy sexual abuse victims is criticizing Kansas City Bishop Raymond Boland for allowing one of his priests to "fight to keep secrets" about the alleged molestation of two Kansas City area man and woman. At issue are recent court motions by defense attorneys for Fr. Francis McGlynn, an allegedly abusive cleric, that seek to prevent any publicity and stop or seal any discovery or depositions in two civil lawsuits. One seeks to essentially prohibit any coverage outside the courtroom, suggesting that any media attention would be an "annoyance and embarrassment" to the priest. The other seeks "a comprehensive protective order to protect (McGlynn's) privacy. . ." claiming that any discovery would be "unnecessary and wasteful." Both, a nationally known advocate for victims says, "put a higher priority on the feelings of one grown up than on the safety of perhaps dozens of kids." "Publicly, Boland and many of his brother bishops pledge 'openness'," said Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), the nation's largest clergy abuse victims self-help group. "But quietly, Boland lets a priest fight for gag orders and continued secrecy. He's again siding with secrecy instead of truth." "As we have seen time and time again, the emphasis is on protecting the priest's reputation, rather than getting the facts out," she said. "If McGlynn is 'truly innocent,' he should welcome an open airing of the truth," Blaine said. "And if Boland is truly compassionate, he should push for openness too." Blaine urged anyone who was victimized by a church employee or representative to contact her group, a therapist, or law enforcement. SNAP's web site is at SNAP On Oct. 9, Frank Sheuring and Theresa White sued the Kansas City Diocese, Bishop Boland, Fr. Patrick Rush (the diocese's vicar general) and McGlynn. Scheuring lives in Kansas City, and White lives in Harrisonville. Both say they were victimized by McGlynn at St. Mary's parish during the 1970s. The local victims are represented by Kansas City attorneys Rebecca M. Randles (816 931 9901), who is handling several dozen similar clergy molestation cases. Defense lawyers include James R. Wyrsch (816 221 0080) representing McGlynn, and Johathan R. Haden and James P. Tierney representing the bishop and the diocese. McGlynn reportedly still lives in the Kansas City area. His most recent assignment was in the small town of Sugar Creek. The suit was filed in October. The defense motions were filed roughly two weeks ago.
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They will also urge church leaders to:
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WHY/DETAILS: The St. Louis chapter of SNAP recently took a simiilar step, posting the names of nearly 30 clergy who had molested kids. One of the participants is a Tuscon AZ man, Gene Reedy, who was abused as a child by Christian Brother Francis Verngren, the former principal of St. Mary's Prepatory Grammar School in Berkley in the late 1960s. Verngren died just two weeks ago, and church officials have admitted that he abused other children too. Neither Reedy nor Verngren have spoken or been identified publicly before. Reedy hopes to reach out to others who were victimized by Verngren. The group will also quote from the Dallas Charter, enacted by all American Catholic bishops in June 2002, which promises "openness and transparency" regarding abuse.
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