BishopAccountability.org
	Statement on 5th Anniversary of Cardinal Law's Resignation Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests December 13, 2007 http://snapnetwork.org/snap_statements/2007_statements/121307_anniversary_cardinal_law_5years.htm Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP national director, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 cell) We're here today with a tribute, a reminder, and a plea. Our tribute is to the brave, compassionate and determined victims and Catholics, whose actions helped force Law out but more importantly, helped launch a revolution that ultimately saved countless lives, prevented countless crimes, and helped countless other victims. Our reminder is that Cardinal Law is the norm, not the exception. His crimes and cover ups have been more extensively documented than those of his colleagues. But the same crimes and cover ups are found in virtually every diocese in the US and are being concealed by virtually every bishop in the US. Our plea today is for continued courage and vigilance. Courage is crucial because when victims and witnesses stay silent, nothing changes. But when victims and witnesses find the courage to speak up, there's at least a chance that lives will be spared, crimes will be prevented, and wounds will be healed. Vigilance is crucial because without it, church officials will backslide even further and faster. (SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We've been around for 17 years and have more than 7,000 members across the country. Despite the word "priest" in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org) Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)
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