By Matt DeLucia
CBS 3
April 9, 2008
http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/17441539.html
In November 2007, a Springfield-area family accused father Aaron J. Cote of molesting their two and five-year-old boys. Angry with inaction, the family filed a 15-page lawsuit Tuesday against Cote and the Dominican Church, with which he worked. Now, the family and a local activist group are accusing the Diocese of Springfield for not doing enough to encourage other victims to come forward.
"We're extremely disappointed and concerned that Bishop (Timothy) McDonnell still hasn't done the outreach that he could do and should do," said Barbara Blaine, President of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).
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The organization wants parishioners throughout the diocese to be notified about Father Cote, who served in Western Massachusetts. Cote worked in the area as a Dominican priest. That, in addition to Cote's family ties to Western Mass has led SNAP's members to believe there are more victims out there.
"I can tell you, as one who has been victimized by clergy that the impact on a victim is so horrific that it takes a lifetime of healing, and the only thing that we should be doing is prevention," said Blaine.
Cote was suspended when the allegations surfaced. The Springfield Diocese says they have reached out, in part with an article in the Catholic Observer newspaper last November. SNAP says it wants a personal appeal by Bishop McDonnell, not a reporter's coverage of a press conference held by the group late last year.
"We've provided notification to everyone who needs to hear about this, and... we absolutely believe SNAP's allegations are unfounded and a disservice," said Mark E. Dupont, co-Secretary for Communications for the Diocese of Springfield.
As of Wednesday morning, Bishop McDonnell was not aware of SNAP's claims.
"No one's come forward to us so I wish they would give us the information," said McDonnell.
Hours later, SNAP members delivered a letter to the Bishop's office, adding that they will pay for advertisements in parish bulletins and newspapers.
The lawsuit against Cote and the Dominican Church was filed in the New York State Supreme Court. The lawsuit cites instances of sexual abuse and battery, along with negligence. The victims' family and SNAP hope the legal action will also get the attention of the Springfield Diocese.
"Maybe this new lawsuit will help (McDonnell) to recognize that these are really serious allegations," said Blaine.
DuPont said the Diocese is "certainly aware of allegations against Father Cote. He is not allowed to serve in this diocese in any capacity as a priest, and we have made that known countless times."
The abuse allegations against Father Cote are still being investigated by police. The Diocese of Springfield says it will consider running SNAP's advertisements.
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