IOWA CITY (IA)
Sioux City Journal
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests said the church and individuals confronted with allegations should not intimidate their accusers and should "act as Jesus would."
The remarks were included in a two-day "Weekend of Hope and Understanding" conference in Iowa City.
David Clohessy, executive director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said there should be a zero tolerance policy in terms of sexual abuse of children by priests.
When accused, he said priests should fight fairly.
"If you're accused, you will act as Jesus would," Clohessy said Saturday. "You will defend yourself, but you will not attack your accuser."
The goal of the conference, according to event organizers Iowa City Call to Action and Concerned Catholics of the Davenport Diocese, was to encourage victims of sexual abuse by priests to come forward and to get support from other Catholics and fellow survivors.
"It's just to listen," said John Whiston of Concerned Catholics. "You don't really understand what this means unless you hear it in person. The only way we can deal with (thoughts of fear and shame) is to tell them the truth."