PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 312-399-4747, SNAPblaine@gmail.com )
This is an absolutely heartbreaking case. We grieve with the relatives and friends of Sean McIlmail. And we share their sad belief that only through brave legal action will other innocent children be spared the horror of childhood sexual victimization by Catholic clerics and adult psychological victimization by Catholic officials.
This suit is brought by Deborah and Michael McIlmail, kind but wounded parents, on behalf of their son and other children who have been assaulted by priests, nuns, seminarians, and other Catholic employees. We are deeply moved by and grateful for their deep courage.
For years, these parents fought valiantly to help and save their son. They have suffered immeasurably. We hope and believe this action will bring them some measure of comfort and justice. Because they are speaking up and exposing corruption, they are helping to protect others. From this day forward, they can take some consolation in knowing that they’re doing all they can to prevent more devastating clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
Father Robert L. Brennan could – and should – still be charged, convicted and kept away from kids. There are, we strongly suspect, several of his victims who are young enough to still pursue criminal cases. For the safety of children, we desperately hope they will do so.
And we hope that every single current and former church employee or member, who saw, suspected or suffered crimes or misdeeds – by Father Brennan or other clerics – will find courage and speak up. That’s what protects kids – when adults care enough to call police and prosecutors about known or suspected child sex crimes.
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