NEW YORK
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests

For immediate release: Sunday, Sept. 13

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)

New York Cardinal Tim Dolan should harshly, publicly and immediately denounce two Syracuse bishops for blaming victims of pedophile priests for their victimization.

[Syracuse.com]

In a 2011 deposition, Bishop Robert Cunningham was asked a clear, simple question: “did the (abused) boy commit a sin?” He made a clear, simple reply: “The boy is culpable.”

Shame on him.

And his predecessor, Bishop James Moynihan, told abuse victim Charles Bailey ‘The age of reason is 7, so if you’re at least 7 you’re culpable for your actions.’

Shame on him too.

And shame on any and every Catholic official who ignores – and thus essentially endorses – these mean-spirited remarks.

Dolan, as…