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	Book Shines Light on Abuse By Erica Bajer Chatham Daily News May 19, 2010 http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2584205 The Daily News A new book about a clergy sexual abuse scandal that rocked southwestern Ontario carries a message of hope, the author said Tuesday. "The message is the important thing," Jim Gilbert said during the launch of Breach of Faith, Breach of Trust: The Story of Lou Ann Soontiens, Father Charles Sylvestre and Sexual Abuse within the Catholic Church. "Lou Ann is a perfect example of how someone can go through this horrible experience and come out on the other side. "It shows you can get through this, you don't have to be destroyed." Gilbert admitted he was reluctant to write the book when Soontiens first approached him more than four years ago. "I write positive history books about people and places," he said, adding after his first meeting with Soontiens he changed his mind. "Somebody had to write this book," he said. Soontiens said telling her story of repeated sexual abuse at the hands of Sylvestre is an effort to let people know the truth. "I really wanted to put out there what happened to me," she said. "Maybe it will bring people who have been abused out — give them courage." Chatham-Kent Crown attorney Paul Bailey attended the book launch along with more than 50 others, including survivors of Sylvestre's abuse. He said the book is important as it sheds light on an issue affecting so many people. "The evil of sexual abuse by the clergy has been brought into the light of day," he said. "Evil abhors the light." Bailey is referenced in the book for his untiring efforts to bring Sylvestre to justice. "Many of the survivors lived for many years with their lives characterized by shame," Bailey said, adding Soontiens sharing her story lifts that cloak of shame. "I have tremendous respect for Lou Ann's courage," he said. Soontiens said she wants to reach people who blame the women Sylvestre abused for coming forward. "I've had a lot of comments like 'Get over it,'" she said, adding people have harassed her about the settlement she got from the Diocese of London, the biggest in Canadian history at $1.75 million. She said all the money in the world isn't worth the pain, shame and humiliation she suffered because of Sylvestre's perversions. The pedophile priest was convicted in 2006 of molesting 47 girls over four decades in churches in Chatham, Pain Court, London, Sarnia and Windsor. The 84-year-old was sentenced to three years behind bars. He died less than six months later. Gilbert admitted that he was one of those people who believed the women accusing Sylvestre were likely exaggerating. That changed after he spoke with Soontiens. While he is ashamed to admit how he felt back then, he speaks publicly about it in an effort to change the opinions of others. In researching the book, Gilbert learned of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church dating back more than 1,700 years. He's included the history he's dug up through exhaustive research. Gilbert said perhaps the most important chapter is the one outlining what parishioners can do to force the Catholic Church to change its ways. "It has got to be grassroots," the lapsed Catholic said, noting he doesn't believe the upper echelon of the church is capable, or driven, to change itself. "The whole Catholic Church is on the Titanic," he warned. "It has to be turned around."The book, published by iUniverse, is available at Coles and at all major book stores. Contact: ebajer@chathamdailynews.ca
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