Members of SNAP Hand out Fliers Asking Victims to Come Forward

KSDK
July 22, 2013

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/389177/3/Members-of-SNAP-hand-out-fliers-asking-victims-to-come-forward

[with video]

Members of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) spent Sunday handing out fliers to parishioners leaving mass at the Cathedral Basilica.

They want to make sure local Catholics know about the serious accusations against a St. Louis priest.

A lawsuit filed against St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson says that he knew Father Joseph Jiang was a danger to children.

The lawsuit claims that Jiang fondled a 16-year-old girl and convinced her to set up a secret email account to send her inappropriate messages.

Father Jiang is currently on administrative leave from his position at the basilica.

"We're here to beg anyone who has been harmed to come forward and to go to the police in healing," said Barbara Dorris, SNAP Victims Outreach Director. "We're here to beg victims and whistleblowers to work with law enforcement until we either prove or disprove these allegations. Its time for the truth to come out."

The Archdiocese of St. Louis released the following statement regarding the matter.

"The Archdiocese of St. Louis is fully cooperating with authorities in this investigation and makes no presumption of innocence or guilt with regard to the charges filed against Father Jiang. We only presume that this is a matter that necessitates prayer, certainly for the alleged victim, but also for Father Jiang and for everyone involved."