MICHIGAN
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 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)
Detroit Catholic officials must do aggressive outreach – to 20 parishes and across the entire archdiocese – to seek out and help others who were hurt by a just-accused predator priest.
Only the most ignorant and callous would assume that over decades, Fr. David West just molested one child. In fact, we strongly suspect that Fr. West’s frequent transfers stem, at least in part, from reports of his abuse to church officials.
We also call on Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron to disclose when the credible report was made. We suspect it took months, instead of days, for church staff to respond to, investigate, reach a decision and disclose that decision. If so, that’s wrong. Delays like this are hurtful to victims.
We urge anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by Fr. West or cover ups by Catholic officials to speak up, protect others, expose wrongdoers, and start healing.
Fr. West has worked in these communities: Farmington, Troy, Harper Woods, Rochester, Royal Oak, St. Clair Shores, Detroit, Grosse Pointe Woods, Redford, Ferndale, Warren, Temperance, Livonia, Eastpointe, Maybee, Dearborn Heights, Livonia, and Rockwood.
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