Capital News 9
February 10, 2008
http://capitalnews9.com/content/top_stories/110324/snap-members-bring-awareness-to-their-cause/Default.aspx
QUEENSBURY, N.Y. — Some members of SNAP bear the wintry weather early in the morning outside Our Lady of Annunciation Church in Queensbury to bring awareness to their cause.
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| Organizers of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, say they want to get the word out to people who have been abused by a priest to stand up and speak out. |
Organizers of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, say they want to get the word out to people who have been abused by a priest to stand up and speak out.
The Upstate Coordinator for SNAP says so far 11 men have identified Father Gary Mercure as the priest that sexually abused them. Organizers believe dozens of others may have also been abused by Mercure or other area priests and urge survivors to get help.
"We believe that the only thing to do at this point is to contact the DA's in those districts or contact SNAP and we will provide assistance at this point," said Mark Lyman, SNAP Upstate Coordinator.
The Director of Communication for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, Ken Goldfarb, says as soon as the Diocese heard of the allegations against Father Mercure an investigation was launched and the priest was placed on Administrative leave.
Goldfarb says the Diocese has always asked people to come forward if they believe they have been abused by a priest. He says he hopes potential victims talk to the District Attorney's office, local law enforcement, and to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany as well.
Goldfarb says the Diocese takes these matters seriously and reaches out to help victims any way they can.
To contact SNAP, call (518) 852-7295 or email snap.albany@yahoo.com
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