CALIFORNIA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Tuesday, Sept. 16 2014
Statement by Tim Lennon of San Francisco, Bay Area Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 415-312-5820, tlennon@snapnetwork.org )
Stockton Catholic officials disclosed today that 34 victims of predator priests have come forward in recent months. We suspect this number – 34 victims of Stockton predator clergy – is a drop in the bucket. The real total, we believe, is much higher.
Our hearts ache for all of these victims, especially those who were not able to come forward by the Stockton bishop’s callous and arbitrary deadline.
Even predator priests who are “not in active ministry” are still dangerous, which is why it is crucial that Stockton’s bishop lets parishioners, police and the public know who and where they are.
A judge required Stockton Catholic officials to do “extensive outreach.” How could the Stockton diocese brag about this same “extensive outreach” if they were compelled to do it by the court?
Stockton church officials claim that a court order means “all information about these claims is confidential.” That does not, however, prevent Stockton Bishop Blaire from publicly disclosing the names, whereabouts and work histories of the proven, admitted and credibly accused child molesting clerics. Stockton’s bishop should do this, for the protection of the vulnerable and the healing of the wounded.
We note that the Diocese is not interested in “resolving outstanding claims as fairly as possible.” It’s interested in avoiding embarrassing child sex abuse and cover up trials. Church officials are interested in avoiding depositions at which they and other church officials will face tough questions on why they acted recklessly, deceitfully and callously with clergy sex predators.
The high church officials are interested in focusing public attention on those who commit child sex crimes, not on those church officials who conceal them. These officials are interested in protecting the careers and reputations of past and current officials. Their actions are not focused on the healing of the wounded and the protection of the vulnerable. And they’re interested in focusing on money, not corruption.
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