UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Thursday, December 5 2013
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )
A high profile priest from a corrupt Catholic religious order is marrying the daughter of the former U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.
We are grateful that Fr. Williams is taking responsibility for the child he fathered. Most Catholic officials let priests who exploit and impregnate vulnerable parishioners avoid helping to raise their children.
We call on other Catholic officials – in Rome and in the Legion of Christ – to “come clean” about their roles in hiding or denying Fr. Williams’ wrongdoing.
At a minimum, this seems like sexual harassment, since he was an editor and she was a columnist.
A year and a half ago, Vatican officials claimed they were investigating seven Legion priests accused of molesting kids. This should have been resolved months ago. We hope the Vatican will disclose their name and the results soon.
[CBS News]
Finally, let’s be clear on what this is and what this isn’t. This is exploitation. It’s not “a relationship.” It’s manipulation. It’s not “consent.”
An educated, allegedly holy and celibate religious authority figure who holds the exalted title of “reverend” – and professes to be Christ’s representative on earth – cannot ever have truly consensual or healthy sexual contact with a parishioner. It is always morally wrong and emotionally harmful.
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