BishopAccountability.org
	SNAP Lobbying for Grand Jury in Pittsburgh for Abuse Cases KDKA [Pittsburgh PA] September 27, 2005 A grand jury in Philadelphia issued a blistering report about child sexual abuse by Catholic priests in their diocese last week. A former Pittsburgh bishop is being held accountable. A group representing victims was lobbying prosecutors in Pittsburgh to convene a grand jury on similar cases. The group calls itself "Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests," or "SNAP." The Philadelphia grand jury's report was damning - particularly the actions of former Pittsburgh Bishop, now Cardinal, Anthony Bevilaqua. The investigation found that during Bevilaqua's time as leader of the archdiocese there he allegedly covered up dozens of cases of priests sexually abusing children. SNAP members were passing out flyers in Oakland before noon mass at St. Paul Cathedral. "Only a fool would believe that somehow Bevilaqua's behavior changed radically when he went to Philadelphia," said SNAP director David Clohessy. "Of course, he was doing the same things here." Juliann Bortz of Allentown contends that she was molested at age 13 by a Catholic priest and that it still haunts her. "He took his collar off and said, 'while we're here don't call me Father, call me Frank," said Juliann Bortz, one of the alleged victims. "Oh it affected every part of my life. Churchgoers and passersby had different reactions. "It's crucial that Catholics come forward if they witnessed abuse, if they suspected abuse, or God forbid if they experienced abuse," Bortz added. According to diocese spokesman, Father Ron Lengwin, Bishop Donald Wuerl has always had a "zero tolerance" policy. "They're saying that those who have been abused should come forward that we need to reach out to them," Father Lengwin said. "We do that as a diocese." SNAP met with Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala asking for a grand jury in Pittsburgh as well as changes in the statute of limitations.
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