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  Group Claims Church Not Telling Possible Victims of Important Deadline
Deadline to File Claim for Settlement November 30th

By David Mance
KAPP
November 10, 2009

http://www.kapptv.com/news/?sect_rank=2§ion_id=15&story_id=17348

YAKIMA -- Strong accusations from a group supporting alleged church abuse victims in Yakima. Members say the Catholic Diocese isn't doing enough to inform them of a fast approaching deadline. Diocese leaders say they are doing their part.

Time is running out for victims who may have been abused by two former Yakima area priests, to make official their claim of abuse.

"You did nothing wrong, this was not your fault, and we urge you to come forward by November 30th," says victim liason Elsie Boudreau.

Two Oregon Province of Jesuits priests, Father Frank Edward Duffy, and Father John Morse, both worked for the Catholic Diocese of Yakima at Saint Joseph's Church.

November 30th is the last day victims can file to be part of a bankruptcy settlement against the Jesuits. The "Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests," or "S.N.A.P." say the diocese isn't warning people the deadline is almost here.

"They're doing the bare minimum to reach out to victims. Notices are in legal language, seldom in Spanish, why do survivors have to stand out in front of the church, the bishop should be standing out here imploring people to come forward, says member Joelle Casteix.

Diocese leaders disagree. They provided a copy of fliers they say are posted in the churches. They say they've done their part.

"The Diocese even though this was not a case that was our responsibility, sent out a news release about Father Duffy, encouraged victims to come forward, I feel the church has done a lot ot get the word out," says Father Robert Siler.

Both the Diocese and S.N.A.P. hope victims will come forward by the deadline.

S.N.A.P. and the Diocese have numbers where people can call to file a claim. S.N.A.P.'s number is (949)322-7434. The Diocese's victim's hotline is (888)909-0100. Father Morse now lives in Spokane. He has continued to deny abusing anyone while serving the church. Father Murphy died in 1992 in Portland.

 
 

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