BishopAccountability.org
	Alleged Abuse Victim Comments on D'Arcy's Visit By Janelle Hall WNDU [South Bend IN] Downloaded December 11, 2003 A Michiana Catholic bishop plans to visit South Bend Thursday to address allegations of sexual abuse against priests or deacons in his diocese. Bishop John D'Arcy will talk about updates in the investigations of religious leaders in the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. The news conference is set to start at 9:30 AM at Saint Matthew Cathedral in South Bend. NewsCenter 16’s Janelle Hall spoke with an alleged sexual abuse victim Wednesday. The woman shared her thoughts about the bishop’s visit. Survivors Network of those Abuse by Priests Lois Myers belongs to a nationwide program known as SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests). She says there are some things she’d liked to hear from Bishop D’Arcy about abuse in the Catholic Church. Myers said, “I would like to know that victims are being protected and survivors are being listened to. I would like to see honesty. I would like to see full disclosure. I’ve got a letter to hand him from an interview from another survivor.” LeBrun case Myers also hopes to hear more about the Father Paul LeBrun case. He's the former priest at Little Flower Church in South Bend who now faces criminal charges for having sexual conduct with a minor out west. She said, “With Father Paul LeBrun there's been no admission that anything happened here. He's indicted on charges in Arizona.” Priest arrests like these leave some, including Myers, disappointed while others in the Church are encouraged with the healing process set up by bishops, who have held nationwide conferences aimed at protecting the Church's children. After D'Arcy's visit to South Bend, residents may learn of more progress. It’s progress that is essential for the healing to continue. Myers said, “Bishop D'Arcy needs to find out who the survivors are. He needs to actively open his arms and say 'What can I do to help you?'” Spokespeople for the D’Arcy say other bishops will soon hold their own meetings in their dioceses.
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