MISSOURI
Times Newspapers
by Don Corrigan
"Twist of Faith" follows the story of a Toledo firefighter who is forced to confront earlier years of sexual abuse.
An award-winning documentary on clergy sexual abuse and a panel exploring such crimes "happening in our own backyard" is slated for 8 p.m., Aug. 31, at Webster University's Moore Auditorium.
"The film is quite powerful," said David Clohessy, who will represent Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) on the panel following the film. "It's great that St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Joyce will be on the panel.
"Her presence can remind us that clergy abuse is a serious crime," said Clohessy. "It needs to be brought to the police. Most Catholics agree that this stuff should not be covered up; it should not be swept under the rug. It needs to be cleaned up."
The film, "Twist of Faith," follows the psychological journey of Tony Comes, a firefighter from Toledo, Ohio, who has buried his past of being abused by a priest. A constant barrage of news related to sexual abuse, coupled with a disturbing discovery in his personal life, forces Tony to confront his demons.
"The film is important because it shows what the pain is about, what the aftermath of clergy abuse is all about," said Clohessy. "Here is a fireman, Tony, who buys his dream house for his family, only to find that the priest who molested him lives down the street."