Media Release

Road to Recovery
November 4, 2013

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/AbuseTrackerArchive/2013/11/#090788

Will new Newark Archbishop be transparent about clergy sexual abuse?

Will new Newark Archbishop release information about pedophile priests?

Can victims of clergy sexual abuse be confident that new Archbishop will treat them fairly?

What: A demonstration calling on the new Archbishop of Newark, Bernard Hebda, to be

honest, transparent, and truthful regarding sexual abuse of children by personnel of the Archdiocese of Newark and to treat victims with the respect they deserve.

When: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM (before and after the “Mass of Welcome” for new Archbishop Bernard Hebda).

Where: On the sidewalk across from the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Newark, 171

Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ

Who: Survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Newark; the President of

Road to Recovery, a non-profit charity that assists victims of sexual abuse; supporters, and friends.

Why: For twelve years under the leadership of Archbishop John Myers, the Newark

Archdiocese has spiraled out of control relative to clergy sexual abuse. Archbishop Myers repeatedly has allowed credibly accused priests to remain in ministry, live in church facilities where children are often present, and not to be held accountable for their crimes against children. When he has gotten caught, he arrogantly blames everyone else for his blunders, including sexual abuse victims and the media. The new Archbishop of Newark, Bernard Hebda, has a herculean task ahead if he adopts the leadership and management style of Archbishop Myers. He will fail. He will succeed, more than likely, should he choose to operate with complete honesty, truthfulness, and transparency.

Bernard Hebda must come with a clean slate. He must be what Archbishop Myers is not:

open, honest, truthful, compassionate, and transparent. Archbishop Hebda needs to meet with survivors and listen to their stories. He needs to treat survivors and their advocates with respect. In general, the “air” of arrogance, so visible in the administration of Archbishop Myers, must be replaced with the “air” of compassion and mercy.

Contacts: Robert M. Hoatson, Road to Recovery, Inc. – 862-368-2800 (survivor of clergy sexual abuse)

Kevin Waldrip, survivor of sexual abuse at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Newark, NJ – 862-202-1499

Fred Marigliano, survivor of sexual abuse at St. Bernard’s Parish, Plainfield, NJ –

732-421-0033