BishopAccountability.org
	Group Claims Saginaw Bishop Covered up Abuse ConnectMidMichigan June 10, 2009 http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=310717 SAGINAW — Nearly a month into his appointment and controversy is already swirling around the new Bishop of Saginaw. A victims advocacy group, the Survivors Network Of Those Abused By Priest or SNAP, claims a 2005 grand jury report showed Bishop Joseph Cistone and other catholic leaders took part in covering up sexual abuse cases involving priest in Philadelphia. The group gathered outside the Diocese of Saginaw Tuesday and spoke with reporters about what they'd like to see from Bishop Cistone. "The action of the bishop has caused a great deal of harm for many victims and their families. The innocence of the children was shattered needlessly because of the action and inaction of their bishop," said SNAP President Barbara Blaine. The group is asking the bishop to hold a public forum explaining his actions and to also to give up the names and locations of priest involved in sex abuse cases. Bishop Cistone has not moved to Saginaw yet but he released this statement: "I am deeply aware of the suffering caused to victims of abuse as well as the pain experienced by catholics throughout archdiocese of philadelphia as a result of the grand jury report. I have taken the opportunity to publicly express my sincere personal sorrow for these abhorrent acts as well as for any mistakes in judgement made by those of us in the administration and professional fields with responsibility for these matters." The bishop plans to be completely moved to Saginaw by July.
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