BAKERSFIELD (CA)
ABC 23 News
May 1, 2019
By Kelly Broderick
The Survivors Network of those Abused By Priests (SNAP) is calling for the vigil scheduled tonight for Monsignor Craig Harrison to be canceled
On April 25, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno confirmed with 23ABC News that Monsignor Craig Harrison of St. Francis Church in Bakersfield, was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation surrounding sexual misconduct allegations made by a man who says he was a minor at the time of the alleged abuse.
According to a letter, sent by leaders of SNAP, the vigil being held tonight would “impede a police investigation and deter others who may have seen, suspected or suffered abuse from coming forward.”
A copy of SNAP’s letter can be read below:
Dear Bishop Brennan:
As you no doubt know, tonight some of your flock plans to hold a vigil in support of an accused molester. Please, for the sake of innocent kids, wounded victims, law enforcement and indeed for your diocese itself, we beg you to do all you can to stop this ill-advised event.
It will impede a police investigation and deter others who may have seen, suspected or suffered abuse from coming forward.
Backers of Msgr. Craig Harrison are no doubt well-intentioned. Still, they’ll do great harm tonight if they proceed. As their shepherd, you can – and should – guide them. You must tell them their vigil will scare and depress others, including kids who are being molested today by other predators, into staying silent. That will endanger more children.
Imagine you’re fourteen. Your coach is abusing you. He says “If you tell, no one will believe you.” You know he’s popular and charismatic. You’re torn. Then, you turn on the TV and see Catholics insisting that their popular and charismatic priest is innocent. Imagine how that would feel. Imagine that struggling child then withdrawing further into his or her shell, keeping quiet, and continuing to suffer. And imagine that coach molesting two or three other kids at the same time.
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