Group Drawing Attention to Sexual Abuse in the Church, WCCB, June 12, 2008

Group Drawing Attention to Sexual Abuse in the Church

WCCB
June 12, 2008

http://www.myfoxcharlotte.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6750355&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

[with video]

WCCB-TV Charlotte — The Charlotte Diocese has to do more. That's what SNAP, the Survivors Network, of those Abuse by Priest is saying after a former Charlotte priest is charged with having sex with a child. The group brought a letter to the Charlotte office for the Bishop today. Bishop Jugis was not in town.

FOX Charlotte

Father Robert Yurgel is facing multiple charges for taking indecent liberties with a child and rape. Yurgel was at Saint Matthew Church in South Charlotte in the late 1990's. The victim just recently came forward.

SNAP's national director came to Charlotte Wednesday. David Clohessy feels confident there are more victims out there, "It would be extraordinarily unusual if Father Yurgel molested one child, one child only and did it in complete secrecy and no one had a clue."

SNAP is asking the Charlotte Diocese to be more open. Clohessy would like to see Charlotte do what Philadelphia and a handful of other dioceses are doing. He'd like them to post pictures of the priests who have molested children.

The diocese spokesperson David Hains says they are open to ideas, "If there is more that can be done we are not adverse to it."

Hains tells us the diocese is doing what they can. Bishop Jugis has spoken to several of the congregations where Father Yurgel worked. Yurgel worked in Charlotte and Hickory during his time in the Carolinas.

If you or someone you know was a victim, call police. There are several groups out there offering support. For more on SNAP and it mission visit their website: www.SNAPnetwork.org.