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  Abuse Victims Pressure Bishop

CBS 3
April 15, 2010

http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/90977499.html

[with video]

Clergy sex abuse victims spoke out in Springfield, calling on the Bishop to support a call for the Catholic Church to do a better job of tracking pedophile priests.

Wednesday the Associated Press released a story detailing 30 cases of accused clergymen, none local, who were not removed from the priesthood but were instead transferred or moved abroad. That report spurred Thursday's protest outside the Diocese of Springfield. Those involved say they want to make sure the cover-ups stop.

Bill Nash, Abuse Victim, says: "This isn't a local problem, it isn't an American problem. It's a global problem in this church."

Casting a shadow over the picture of the former priest convicted of abusing him years ago, and standing in front of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Bill Nash called for more accountability in the church. And, on the Bishop of Springfield to help achieve it.

Bill Nash, Abuse Victim, says: "He has the ability to have some influence in Rome, and I'd like to see him get involved."

Nash is a member of the Survivors Network of Those Abused. SNAP members want to see the church set up an international online registry of all priests credibly accused of abuse. They say about 20 U.S. bishops have done this. Springfield's has not.

Bill Nash, Abuse Victim, says: "We'd like to see him publish the names publicly, perhaps on his website, of all the abusers that he is aware of in this diocese. That's never happened."

Nash went so far as to knock on Bishop McDonnell's door for an answer. He was told the Bishop wasn't in today. But, church officials tell CBS 3 they have been nothing but transparent in dealing with sex abuse case.

Mark Dupont, Catholic Diocese of Springfield, says: "Here in the diocese of Springfield we have been very particular. In that we will publicly notify when we remove a priest who has a credible allegation. We have been strict to that for maybe 15 years now.

Victims of abuse want to see it taken further, with a program by church officials to house abusing priests in treatments facilities to keep them away from children. But more than anything, they just want the issue addressed directly by the Vatican.

Sheri Biasin, Abuse Victim, says: "If they could just have the accountability factor and be heard, the victims could heal and move on. Instead it just keeps bringing up and bringing up."

The pope made his most direct reference in weeks to the sexual abuse scandal Thursday, saying that while the church is under attack, Christians also need to repent for sins and recognize their mistakes.

 
 

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