Canada- Ex archbishop to be sentenced next month, Victims respond

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
June 18, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/canada_ex_archbishop_to_be_sentenced_next_month_victims_respond

A former Canadian orthodox archbishop, who was convicted of child sexual abuse, will receive his sentencing July 9. We are glad he will soon be sentenced and hope the judge goes with the harshest option. 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ex-archbishop-to-learn-fate-in-july-for-sex-assault-on-altar-boy-1.2679508

Archbishop Seraphim Storheim was accused of abusing two brothers in the 1980s and he was found guilty of abusing at least one of them. Supporters of Storheim have been rallying around him and hurting victims since the accusations against him were made public. We praise the prosecutors in this case who pointed out that Storheim’s supporters prove he has “good skill{s} in developing trust in others."

Predators are often skilled at hiding their true nature. When parishioners and other supporters publically support child molesters they intimidate victims and hurt those who are already suffering in silence and self blame.

The Orthodox Church in America should take immediate action and defrock Storheim. Defrocking Archbishop Seraphim would send a clear message that child sexual abuse is not tolerated in the OCA.