ST. LOUIS (MO)
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Sept. 24, 2019
Dear AG Schmitt,
Your recent report on clergy sex crimes in Missouri is the worst such effort by a governmental official we’ve seen in our 30 years of involvement in this crisis. It’s a misleading whitewash that largely does the bidding of Missouri bishops.
Please consider this our formal Sunshine Act request for
— copies of any “memo of understanding” or agreement(s) you or your predecessor signed with Catholic officials, and
— a thorough list of who you and your staff (and your predecessor and his staff) met or spoke with during this so-called ‘investigation’ (redacting, of course victims’ names and any identifying information about them).
Why do we want such agreements? Because we’re convinced that you and your predecessor gave bishops massive concessions on the front end, eviscerating or severely limiting your probe and basically turning it into a public relations coup for the church hierarchy.
Why do we want such lists? Because we’re convinced you and your staff spent a lot of time with Catholic officials, less time with victims and likely no time at all with recognized experts in this field, neither local nor national.
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