Clergy Not Required to Report Abuse; SNAP Responds

SNAP
August 23, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mi_clergy_not_required_to_report_abuse_snap_responds

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)

We’re disappointed that a Michigan judge is letting a minister off the hook for refusing to report suspected child sex abuse. Decades of excessive deference to religious figures in child sex cases has led to tens of thousands of devastated lives. Our society – especially our judges and lawmakers – must make it abundantly clear that every single adult has a duty to call police when he or she fears a child is being hurt.

We can protect kids and respect belief at the same time. But we can’t let an adult’s belief trump a child’s safety.

We hope that Michigan’s highest court will reverse this tragic ruling.

Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cel, SNAPdorris@gmail.com), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, SNAPblaine@gmail.com)