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  Group Passes out Fliers for Clergy Abuse Victims
Vigil: Members Gather at a Roman Catholic Cathedral to Increase Awareness

By Michael Fisher
The Press-Enterprise [San Bernardino CA]
January 7, 2007

http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_snap07.213dca5.html

A half-dozen members of a national self-help group for clergy abuse victims gathered Saturday outside the Roman Catholic cathedral in San Bernardino as part of a nationwide vigil to increase awareness of the ongoing scandal.

The events staged by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, mark the fifth anniversary of revelations in Boston about clergy sexual abuse that have since rippled through Catholic dioceses nationwide.

SNAP members distributed fliers Saturday outside Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino. Most parishioners heading into the 4 p.m. Mass politely accepted the fliers that urged bishops to publicly name priests accused of sexual abuse. The note also asked parishioners who have experienced, witnessed or suspect abuse to call authorities or SNAP.

"It's been nice to have a good reception," said Pat Olivas, who formed SNAP's Inland chapter last year.

"The more information that has come out over the past couple of years, people have been more supportive."

Parishioner Pete Espinoza said he had no problem with the group passing out fliers but felt that such efforts are no longer needed.

"Most of these things happened years ago and the church is trying to clean itself up," Espinoza said.

Among the places where other vigils were scheduled this weekend were Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orange County and San Diego.

Reach Michael Fisher at 951-368-9470 or mfisher@PE.com

 
 

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