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	Help for Victims of Clergy Abuse By Amanda Smith-Teutsch Tribune Chronicle June 14, 2009 http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/523385.html?nav=5021 YOUNGSTOWN - While cases are few, abuse by pastors and priests isn't confined to any single denomination. "Clergy abuse can occur in any faith," said Judy Jones of The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. SNAP has branches in every state and most major metropolitan areas. Often, survivors of abuse keep it secret for years. "It's a very difficult thing," she said. "Often people will see reports on the news and say, look, there are other people out there." A case of clergy abuse was confirmed two weeks ago in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Two new allegations surfaced last week against the same priest and are being investigated. The Diocese of Youngstown announced June 6 that it removed the Rev. Thomas Crum from active ministry after he admitted to Diocesan officials that he'd sexually abused a teenager while assigned to the staff of Cardinal Mooney High School in the 1970s. He denied abusing any other children, Bishop George Murry said. However, the Diocese said Friday that the two new allegations against Crum surfaced after Diocesan officials asked other victims to come forward. The Diocese turned the information over to its attorneys, who are reporting to civil authorities. Where the abuses are supposed to have occurred wasn't specified. Both the Diocese and SNAP are urging victims of abuse by any clergy in any faith to come forward. "Report it to police," Jones said. "No matter how old it is, it is still a crime against you." If they wish, victims also can report abuse to the diocese, Jones said. Murry said the diocese, through its lawyers, reported the abuse to Youngstown city police and the prosecutors of Stark and Mahoning counties. Crum was pastor of Our Lady of Peace in Canton when he was removed from active ministry. "The Diocese of Youngstown continues to be committed to protecting children and helping to heal victims of abuse," Murry said. "I am deeply sorry for the pain suffered by survivors of abuse due to actions of some members of the clergy because nothing is more important than protecting our children." He said he apologized to Crum's victim on behalf of the church. Crum was placed on administrative leave and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation and treatment, according to the bishop. The legal cases are pending investigation. Crum never will be permitted to return to active ministry even if he is not removed from the priesthood, Murry said.
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