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	Bishop to Meet with Advocates for Abuse Victims By Martha Quillin News & Observer March 15, 2007 http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/553790.html Raleigh — The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh today agreed to meet with a group that advocates for the victims of sexual abuse by church leaders. Marigrace Labella, leader of the Raleigh chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, held a news conference this morning with several SNAP members outside the diocese office to complain that the church hasn't taken seriously allegations of sexual abuse. Church officials deny the claim. During the event, diocese spokesman Frank Morock came outside and told Labella that Michael F. Burbidge would meet briefly with her and SNAP member David Barciz to try and arrange a longer meeting later. "That's a good first step," Labella said. The Raleigh diocese quietly paid almost $1.2 million last year to settle five sexual abuse complaints dating from the 1960s and '70s and involving two priests. But Labella and Barciz say the church has not tried to find out whether there have been additional victims, or even create an atmosphere in which victims could come forward. The church says it has welcomed accusers. Staff writer Martha Quillin can be reached at 829-8989 or marthaq@newsobserver.com
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