PENNSYLVANIA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Statement from Cappy Larson, Orthodox Christian Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
For more information: Cappy Larson (cappy@rlarson.com, 415-637-2006); David Clohessy, SNAP Director (davidgclohessy@gmail.com, 314-566-9790)
“Predator” bishop still on the job
Deemed guilty by colleagues, he’s now in a parish
His superiors claims “we haven’t put him to work there”
But controversial cleric is listed on PA church’s website
SNAP sends harsh message to hierarchs now meeting in Atlanta
“Block this dangerous, deceptive and callous move,” group pleads
A Chicago bishop found guilty of sexual misconduct and forced him to retire by his colleagues is now in charge of a western Pennsylvania parish and a support group for victims wants him ousted
Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are writing to bishops of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) about Bishop Matthias Moriak who once headed the Chicago diocese. Moriak was retired by the synod of bishops in April 2013, after he was found to have engaged in sexual misconduct.
SNAP wants church officials to oust the bishop from active ministry.
Moriak recently began working in a parish in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The OCA’s chancellor says that another bishop asked Moriak to take the position, but that this assignment had not been approved. He went on to say that the OCA synod would be meeting to consider the terms of Moriak’s retirement.
Members of SNAP have written to the synod pleading with them to put the kibosh on this assignment. All of the bishops are in Atlanta from July 20-24, at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel, for their national council. The complete text of the letter, sent earlier today by email, can be found below.
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