NEW MEXICO
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Monday, Nov. 16, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)
Several victims of New Mexico predator priests want their cases to go to trial. We hope they succeed in their effort for justice, prevention and healing.
Gallup Independent
When Catholic bishops take advantage of bankruptcy laws, it stops nearly all litigation. This is hurtful, reckless and unjust. A number of adults who were victimized as kids in the Gallup diocese are asking a judge to let their clergy sex abuse and cover ups cases to proceed toward trial.
It’s bad enough to be sexually violated by a predator priest and betrayed by a callous bishop. But to then be denied your day in court because Catholic officials are exploiting Chapter 11 laws to keep a tight lid on their complicity is yet another layer of harm.
We hope that U.S. Bankruptcy Judge David T. Thuma sides with suffering child sex abuse victims and betrayed parishioners, and against Gallup Bishop James Wall who selfishly and callously wants a “one size fits all” and a “let’s keep the cover ups covered up” approach.
We also hope that every single person who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes and cover ups in New Mexico will find the courage to speak up, protect kids, expose wrongdoers, call police and start healing.
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