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	Victims Seek Place at Pope's Memorial Sex-Abuse Survivor Group Asks to Speak at Event By Nikki Renner The Arizona Republic September 12, 2007 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0912popememorial0912.html?&wired A group that helps victims of sexual abuse by priests delivered a letter to the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix on Tuesday seeking permission to speak at a weekend event in memory of Pope John Paul II's Phoenix visit. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, wants to have one or two sexual-abuse victims speak at the Saturday service about how the late pope took steps to address sexual abuse by Catholic priests. "We want to be here (at the memorial) because we thought he was a man who did speak out against the crimes of the church," Ken Babb, Phoenix director of the organization, said as he stood outside the doors of the diocese on Tuesday. Babb said that when victims speak out, it encourages other victims to come forward. He also wants people to know that there is more the Catholic Church can do for the victims of sexual abuse by priests. He delivered the letter Tuesday to Jim Dwyer, director of public information for the Diocese. Although Babb said the presence of his organization would be valuable, Dwyer said the memorial is for commemorating the 20th anniversary of John Paul II's September 1987 visit to the Valley and the event isn't for any other agenda. Dwyer said later that contrary to Babb's opinion, the diocese is very active in tackling the problem of priest sex offenders. Dwyer said the diocese would give some consideration to the request made by Babb but did not want to change the purpose of the celebration. The Saturday memorial is being held at St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix where the pope appeared in 1987. The observance includes a Mass at 5 p.m., followed by a reception, dinner and presentation.
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