OHIO
Toledo Blade
BY RYAN DUNN
BLADE STAFF WRITER
A national advocacy group for victims of clergy abuse is criticizing the actions of the Rev. Samuel Punnoor and officials of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said Monday that returning Father Punnoor to his home diocese in India is irresponsible behavior.
“This solves nothing. In fact, this increases the chances of kids getting hurt,” said Barbara Blaine, president of the Chicago-based group, in a written statement.
An ecclesiastical investigation of Father Punnoor determined he violated the diocese’s rules of harassment and physical contact with youth.
Citing the potential for other cases, Ms. Blaine asked Bishop Daniel Thomas to visit parishes where Father Punnoor worked and encourage whistle-blowers.
Father Punnoor served as vicar at Most Blessed Sacrament in Toledo and St. Joseph in Maumee. He was suspended May 22.
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