UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Monday, Dec. 5, 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)
We are disappointed that Pope Francis has promoted two Baltimore Catholic officials to become assistant bishops. We would be more optimistic had he chosen clerics from outside the archdiocese and especially had he elevated priests who’ve shown some leadership in ensuring the safety of children.
We see no evidence that either Msgr. Adam J. Parker or Msgr. Mark E. Brennan have fought or spoken out about irresponsible moves by any Catholic official in any child sex abuse or cover up case in Baltimore or anywhere.
On the contrary, they’ve spent most of their careers in the Baltimore archdiocese which has had a very troubling record on children’s safety.
For instance, last year, we in SNAP released nine pages of never-before disclosed emails and letters between two archdiocesan headquarters staffers, a prosecutor and a victim.
They showed that 1) Msgr. Joseph A. Davies has been repeatedly accused of molesting children and 2) at least one church official believes he’s guilty. But Baltimore Archbishop William Lori and his staff refuse to disclose these facts to parents, parishioners or the public.
One letter, to a victim from a high-ranking church official, Msgr. Richard Woy (410-464-4000, RWoy@archbalt.org) says “I want to apologize for the abuse you suffered at the hands of Msgr. Davies.” Another letter by Msgr. Woy admits that the archdiocese “has received a number of child sex abuse allegations” against Msgr. Daviess.
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