Victims Challenge Archbishop on Child Porn Priest

SNAP
August 30, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_victims_challenge_archbishop_on_child_porn_priest

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

Archbishop Robert Carlson, through his public relations team, says today that his employees "pray for the safety and dignity of all children in our archdiocese and around the world." That's not enough.

More than two years ago, Carlson should have personally gone to Fr. Vatterott's parish, urging victims and witnesses to call police. He should do that this weekend. Tangible action like this is what will better safeguard kids.

It's disingenuous and self-serving for Fr. Vatterott to try to blame alcohol for his heinous child sex crimes.

Everyone knows that the vast majority of alcoholics never even ponder, much less commit, child sex crimes.

Fr. Vatterott is young. (He's in his mid-30s.) He'll be out of prison soon. And there's little reason to think he'll be "cured."

So it's crucial that others who have seen, suspected or suffered his crimes speak out now. We believe he can and should be charged, prosecuted and convicted of other child sex crimes. But that won't happen unless current and former Catholic church employees and members find it in their hearts to do what's right and step forward.

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