SPRINGFIELD (MA)
Republican
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
By BILL ZAJAC
wzajac@repub.com
A national support group for clergy abuse victims yesterday asked the bishop of the Springfield Diocese to join its effort to ensure that his predecessor, Bishop Thomas L. Dupre, is removed, saying he is a risk to children.
At a press conference in front of the diocese's headquarters, Peter C. Pollard, coordinator of the Western Massachusetts affiliate of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, asked for the Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell's support as the group sends a letter to Pope Benedict XVI.
The letter from the national organization calls for Dupre to be held accountable for allegations of sexual child abuse, be encouraged to seek further treatment, be defrocked and have his whereabouts disclosed.
A local Voice of the Faithful representative joined the press conference and read a statement of support.
Dupre, who resigned 15 months ago when allegations were brought forward by two men who said he abused them as children, entered St. Luke Institute in Maryland upon his resignation. His whereabouts since then have remained a mystery, and neither the diocese nor the pope's U.S. representative have commented on a probe the Vatican initiated upon his resignation as bishop.
Pollard tried to deliver a letter to McDonnell at the chancery, but Vice Chancellor Sister Carol Cifatte answered the door and informed Pollard that McDonnell wasn't available. Cifatte took the letter.
Posted by kshaw at May 25, 2005 06:59 AM