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  Local SNAP Leader Sets up New Chapter in England

By Fred Bodimer
KMOX
March 30, 2010

http://www.kmox.com/Local-SNAP-leader-sets-up-new-chapter-in-England/6692768

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -- St. Louisian Barbara Dorris, the National Outreach Director for the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, concluded her European tour Tuesday with a stop in London.

At a news conference outside Westminster Cathedral, Dorris and another SNAP leader Barbara Blaine announced the creation of a new permanent SNAP chapter titled "SNAP England."

"We also called on the Archbishop here to make a national registry of priests and clergy members who have been credibly accused of abuse," said Dorris. "And to open his files to law enforcement."

Dorris says over the past 22 years, SNAP has learned that victims heal best when they break their silence, name their abuser, and get help from independent sources like therapists and self-help groups. Children are best safeguarded, SNAP feels, when victims, witnesses and whistleblowers find the courage to speak up and call law enforcement.

According to Dorris, the British seem to be receptive to SNAP's message and understand the widespread nature of the problem.

"But I think many people are concerned about the fact that the Pope has issued apologies now to a number of countries, but then in his Palm Sunday homily, he referred to this as petty gossip which I think aggravated many survivors," said Dorris. "It was deeply hurtful to survivors."

As to Pope Benedict's upcoming September visit to England, Dorris said "there are many reactions here in England to that visit. Some are saying we don't believe the pope should be allowed to visit. Others are saying he should come visit and fix this mess."

Dorris and Blaine have made stops throughout Europe over the past ten days, talking with fellow clergy abuse survivors and setting up SNAP chapters in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Italy, where they were briefly detained in a Rome jail after protesting outside St. Peter's Square at The Vatican.

COntact: flbodimer@cbs.com

 
 

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