Group Wants Diocese to Name Accused Priests, WAPT, October 19, 2007

Group Wants Diocese to Name Accused Priests

WAPT
October 19, 2007

http://www.wapt.com/news/14378577/detail.html

Jackson, Miss. — A group is asking the Diocese Of Jackson to name priests accused of sex abuse.

Members of SNAP, or the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said the Jackson diocese should do more to prevent sexual abuse by priests.

They claim priests who have been accused of abuse but never convicted of sex abuse have been transferred to other dioceses around the country, including Jackson.

SNAP Calling On Diocese To Name Accused Priests

"They are on no lists anywhere because they have not been prosecuted because the bishops have stalled and stalled until the statutes of limitations have run out," SNAP regional director Ann Brentwood said.

In a statement Thursday, the diocese said it has a policy that "does not allow priests who have been accused of credible allegations of abuse to transfer into the Diocese from other dioceses or orders."

Related Document: Diocese Statement

Last year, the Jackson diocese settled for $5.1 million with 19 local alleged sex abuse victims who filed suit against the church.

The diocese said, to its knowledge, there are no credible allegations of abuse by any of its priests.

A statement went on to say the diocese is "committed to ensuring that children being served by the church are not at risk of sexual abuse by church personnel."

Past victims aren't so sold and said until the church opens its records on priests and possible past accusations, children are not safe.