ILLINOIS
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priest
Victims to leaflet at prominent church
It’s letting accused child molester preach
SNAP: “You’re intimidating abused children”
Group wants pastor disinvited from upcoming event
He’s been in leadership posts with national Baptist organization
“Kids suffer when clerics back other accused clerics,” victims say
WHAT
After a church service, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will pass out leaflets to congregants urging church officials to
–disinvite an accused, arrested predatory pastor who is set to speak later in the week, and
–apologize for their “callousness and hurtful behavior” for inviting him in the first place.
The victims will also
–beg anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered child sex crimes to contact secular authorities, not church figures, and
–praise the three individuals who have reported being assaulted by the minister to law enforcement officials.
WHEN
Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
WHERE
Outside Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago, 5200 W. Jackson Blvd. (corner of Laramie) in Chicago
WHO
Two-three members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, including a Chicago woman who is the organization’s founder and long-time president
WHY
Despite being arrested and charged with child sex crimes – and facing three accusers, a South Side pastor is set to preach next week at a historic African American church. Child sex abuse victims want him disinvited. They also want church officials who invited the controversial cleric to apologize for their decision.
Three month ago, Rev. George W. Waddles, Sr., was arraigned on charges that he molested a then-13 year old girl during counseling sessions in his office in 2011, according to Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Tara Pease-Harkin.
Waddles is the minister at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church on the Southside. Despite Waddles admission and arrest, he remains in the pulpit.
At least two other church members have reported that Waddles also attacked them.
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