Coverage of Erie priest abuse scandal overblown: Letters to the editor

ERIE (PA)
Erie Times-News

May 24, 2018

I have been a subscriber to the Erie Times-News for more than 50 years, but I am thinking about canceling my subscription. I realize that the local priest abuse scandal is an important story that has to be covered. I have been a Roman Catholic all of my life and the story is very difficult for me and my family. It also brings shame to my church as well as all of the Catholics in our country.

I believe Bishop Lawrence Persico is doing his best to give full disclosure with a complete list of all priests and laypeople who have been involved. The Times-News is doing its job, also going far beyond that to a high degree. For the last week, you have run constant articles, most of which begin with front-page, above-the-fold leads instead of more important stories. On May 19, for example, there was a story about the our bishop adding six new names to the credibly accused list. Yes, that is a story, but not worthy of front-page, above-the-fold treatment when an article about a gunman killing 10 children in a Texas school was on the same page. The school shooting got three paragraphs and the abuse story got a heavy bold headline with a sad-looking photo of Persico and copy running all the way across the top of the page.

There are thousands of good Catholic people in the Erie area who are very hurt by what is happening in their church, but it’s very unfair, and even cruel, that the Times-News keeps overdoing this awful story.

I recently posted some of these thoughts on social media because I felt that my letter to the editor would never be used. I hope I’m wrong.

— Paul Jenkins, Harborcreek

Crime Victim Center offers services to abuse victims

In light of the recent letter to the editor expressing concern for victims of clergy sexual abuse and also the increasing visibility of the #MeToo movement, we at the Crime Victim Center wish to reassure Erie County residents that we are here for all victims of crime, including sexual violence, with free and confidential counseling.

Whether a crime happened yesterday or decades ago, in Erie County or somewhere else, our counselors provide supportive, trauma-focused counseling to help victims work toward recovery. CVC has been Erie County’s rape crisis center for 45 years and as a nonprofit agency, we are dedicated to providing help freely to all who need it.

Our professional counselors and advocates meet victims in local police stations and emergency rooms and accompany them during forensic exams. We provide crisis counseling, restitution and Crime Victim Compensation information, and assistance with filing claims. When victims participate in adult or juvenile court proceedings, our court advocates and counselors accompany them through every step of the court process.

Through partnerships with Gaudenzia Erie Inc., Safe Harbor Behavioral Health of UPMC Hamot, Hope on Horseback, yoga instructor Terry Flynn Henry, and Northwestern Legal Services, CVC is also able to connect victims with programs and civil legal aid directly related to reported crimes. Victims can come to our main offices at 125 W. 18th St., Erie, or schedule appointments at one of our five satellite offices in Corry, Edinboro, Girard, North East or Union City.

Victims of crimes and their loved ones deserve help. They can call our hotline anytime at 814-455-9414 or visit our website at www.cvcerie.org. We are here to listen, to help, and to work with all victims on their paths toward hope, health and healing.

— Paul A. Lukach, executive director, Crime Victim Center

Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.