SPRINGFIELD (IL)
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
They are not on diocese’s alleged offenders’ list
Group blasts central IL Catholic officials on abuse
But in a twist, SNAP backs Paprocki’s plan for accused bishops
“But the real answer,” group insists, “is prosecution & legal reform”
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will disclose that five more publicly accused priests were left off the Springfield diocese’s ‘accused’ list. Each spent time in central Illinois but has attracted little or no media or public attention before in the state.
In an unusual move, the group will also announce that it backs a proposal by Springfield’s bishop to set up a new national church panel that would investigate abuse allegations made against bishops. It contradicts a plan being pushed by Illinois’ top Catholic official, Cardinal Blasé Cupich ofChicago.
And the victims will call on local Catholic officials to
–post names of ALL accused priests on their diocesan website,
–include details like their work histories, whereabouts and photos, and
–join with victims in pushing for real legislative reform, like repealing Illinois’ “archaic, predator-friendly statute of limitations” so survivors can do what bishops will not do: expose child molesters in court.
WHEN
Sunday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE
On the sidewalk outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence in Springfield IL
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