CHICAGO (IL)
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Monday, December 9, 2013
Statement by Barbara Blaine, President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 312 399 4747, SNAPblaine@gmail.com )
Temporarily ousting a credibly accused predator priest is the bare minimum. Cardinal Francis George must do more about Fr. Michael W. O’Connell who just left his post at St. Alphonsus Catholic parish (1429 W. Wellington Ave.) in Lakeview.
First, George should disclose where Fr. O’Connell is now. Parents and neighbors should be warned about him.
Second, George should insist that Fr. O’Connell move into and stay at a remote, secure, independently run treatment center so that he gets help and so that kids are protected.
Third, George should personally visit every parish where Fr. O’Connell worked – even briefly – begging victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to contact law enforcement.
Fourth, George should turn over to police every bit of information he has about Fr. O’Connell (without waiting to be subpoenaed).
Fifth, George should suspend Fr. O’Connell. Yesterday, his parishioners were told that he “voluntarily stepped away from the day-to-day administration of the parish.” (That almost sounds like he’s on sabbatical.)
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