NEW JERSEY
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)
New Jersey predator priest has passed away. We hope his death of brings some comfort to the courageous victims who came forward and reported his horrific crimes.
[NJ.com]
He is Fr. John M. Banko. His brave victims overcame their own pain to work with police and prosecutors to have him arrested and convicted. Because of their courage and their wisdom to work with secular authorities rather than church officials other children were spared abuse.
We hope Metuchen Catholic officials will announce his death in the diocesan newspaper, on the diocesan website and in all church bulletins, noting his crimes and conviction. We fear other Fr. Banko victims are still suffering in secrecy and shame and will find some small comfort knowing he cannot hurt anyone else.
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