UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, August 06, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy ( 314-566-9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com )
Victims pass resolution for archbishop’s removal
They cite cover-up of abuse and “hidden evidence”
SNAP to all Minnesota bishops: Beg pope to fire archbishop
In response to a months-long clergy sex abuse and cover-up scandal in the Twin Cities, a support group for victims of sexual abuse is calling for the immediate removal of St. Paul’s archbishop.
More than 300 members of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), voted to pass a one-page resolution calling for the removal of St. Paul & Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt. SNAP is the nation’s largest support group for men and women sexually abused in religious and institutional settings.
Members adopted the resolution at the group’s 25th anniversary annual conference in Chicago this week
Nienstedt has been blasted by victims and Catholics for quietly moving predator clerics, hiding evidence of abuse and covering-up child sex crimes. Media outlets such as the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and the New York Times have also called for Nienstedt’s removal.
Nienstedt “has actively participated in the cover up and protection of clergy who have sexually abused children and adults,” the resolution says.
“Will this resolution convince Nienstedt to step down? Probably not,” said Frank Meuers of Plymouth, SNAP’s Twin Cities director. “But we must let our voices be heard. He must step down – or Pope Francis must act – if victims are to heal and children are to be kept safe.”
The group is also urging others who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes and cover ups in the St. Paul archdiocese to contact secular officials, not Catholic officials.
The group is also demanding complete transparency and accountability from St. Paul Catholic officials.
The resolution is below:
Resolution calling for the removal of Archbishop Nienstedt
Whereas, Archbishop John Nienstedt of the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese has actively participated in the cover up and protection of clergy who have sexually abused children and adults.
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