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	Support Group SNAP in Las Vegas Warning about Local Church KTNV October 12, 2009 http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11296220 Claims of abuse in the catholic church lead to an interesting morning for some Las Vegas parishioners. This after one man says he was sexually abused by a priest right here in the valley more than 20 years ago. He says the priest is John Patrick Feeney. Feeney is doing time in Wisconsin, convicted of sexually abusing two brothers there. But Feeney also served in Las Vegas at the St. Francis De Sales church for two years in the 80's. The man filed a lawsuit about a year and a half ago claiming Feeney abused him and the church officials knew he could be a danger. "We're just concerned that others know that it is safe to come forward. They don't have to suffer alone anymore," Barbara Blain says. Barbara Blain stopped parishioners leaving St. Francis this morning to hand them a flyer. The flyer claims seven catholic priests were known to have molested elsewhere and were transferred here. Barbara is president of SNAP, or Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "We find it difficult to believe that there's only one victim a this parish. Unfortunately Father Feeney was here for about two years and we know its rare predators only have one victim," she says. Blain also claims the Dioceses knew Feeney had a history and brought him to Vegas anyway. The current church leaders at St. Francis wanted Barbara off the property. "We want parishioners to know that church authorities were aware of his propensity to abuse children," she says. But more important Blain says, she wants any other victims to come forward so they can heal and get help. We've called the diocese several times today for comment and haven't heard back. But when we do hear from them we will let you know what they have to say.
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