MINNESOTA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Friday, May 30, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )
A professor at a Catholic university – who may have helped a predator priest hide his crimes – has stepped down.
Don Briel’s retirement changes nothing. St. Paul Archdiocese and University of St. Thomas officials should still finish their investigation into his alleged involvement in Fr. Michael Keating’s crimes, disclose their results, and harshly denounce and punish Briel if he is found guilty of concealing or ignoring known or suspected child sexual abuse.
In October, Briel was asked by Minnesota Public Radio whether he knew about the allegation that Fr. Keating had molested at least one girl. He refused to answer. And yesterday, he again refused to answer questions about this very troubling case.
Those who endanger kids and protect predators should not be allowed to retire or walk away and evade responsibility for their callous and reckless actions. To stop this horrific crisis, wrongdoers must face tough penalties.
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