UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, Jan. 7
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 503 0003, bdorris@SNAPnetwork.org )
A controversial cardinal “blames gay clergy for the church’s sexual abuse crisis,” and says priests “who were feminized and confused about their own sexual identity” molested children.
The church becomes a more dangerous and unhealthy place when high-ranking Catholic officials mischaracterize and minimize the abuse and cover up crisis. That’s why it’s crucial that Francis and other top church staff denounce and clarify Cardinal Raymond Burke’s outrageous claim.
If one must identify only one crux of the crisis, it is the widespread and continuing cover ups by bishops, – not the crimes or motives of individual priests – that should be cited. To focus strictly on the “bad apple” child molesting clerics – and ignore the devastating role of selfish and secretive bishops – is irresponsible.
In the eyes of many, Burke is a discredited, demoted fanatic. Still, he remains a cardinal and a Vatican official with millions of admirers. His words hurt victims and confuse parishioners. They should not stand unaddressed. It’s callous of Catholic officials do nothing when their colleagues make hurtful comments that make victims, witnesses and whistleblowers become hopeless and stay silent.
We beg Pope Francis to set the record straight here.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.