Sex Abuse Victims Question O'Malley about Abusive Springfield Bishop

Allegations Were Reported to Boston Archbishop Three Months Ago

SNAP Urges Top Cleric for Explanation

[Statement by psychologist Ann Hagan Webb of Wellesley, co-coordinator of New England SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests]

We are troubled by news reports that a priest tried to contact Boston's Archbishop Sean O'Malley roughly 3 months ago about sexual abuse charges against Springfield Bishop Thomas Dupre.

According to the Springfield Republican, Fr. James Scahill of East Longmeadow tried to follow the Dallas Charter and report the allegations to Archbishop O'Malley last November.

It's not clear to us if O'Malley received such information from Scahill or other sources. If he did learn of the allegations, it's also not clear what, if any, steps O'Malley took. If indeed he did take action, it was apparently neither prompt nor effective, because Dupre remained on duty, overseeing a diocese that has experienced considerable abuse by clergy. As a result, we believe children were at risk.

We believe that O'Malley owes Massachusetts Catholics, victims and law enforcement officials a speedy and thorough explanation of this situation. We are grateful that Dupre's victims have managed to break their silence, and hope that others wounded by Springfield area clergy follow their courageous lead and also come forward, so that children are safer and so that they can begin recovering from this trauma.

SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's largest support group for clergy abuse victims with 4600 members in 56 self-help groups nationwide.

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org

For more information:
Ann Hagan Webb, New England Coordinator 781-239-1182
Bill Gately, New England Coordinator 508-524-4179
Phil Saviano, 617-983-5075
Peter Pollard, 413-335-9969
David Clohessy, National Director (314) 566-9790 cell
Barbara Blaine, President (312) 399-4747 cell