NEW YORK
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Statement by Tim Lennon of Tucson, Volunteer President of SNAP’s Board of Directors, 415-312-5820,tlennon@SNAPnetwork.org
This past weekend two priests in the Diocese of Buffalo were suspended from ministry. Fathers Samuel J. Venne and Arthur S. Smith were put on leave while allegations of childhood sexual
We applaud Bishop Richard J. Malone for announcing these suspensions to parishioners. However, the bishop should also report these allegations to the police, if he has not already done so. Investigations of criminal behavior are best handled by unbiased professionals.
Bishop Malone should also take the next step and implore any victim harmed by a priest or anyone serving on behalf of the Church in the Diocese of Buffalo to contact law enforcement immediately. Despite New York’s predator friendly statute of limitations, crimes should still be reported, no matter how long ago the abuse may have occurred. Speaking up is a chance victims to begin healing, expose the truth, and protect others.
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