SNAP Calls for Names of Accused Priests to Be Released, by Ray Hershel, WGGB, June 16, 2010

SNAP Calls for Names of Accused Priests to Be Released

By Ray Hershel
WGGB
June 16, 2010

http://www.wggb.com/global/story.asp?s=12648313

[with video]

SNAP spokesperson Peter Pollard

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) -- A group which works with survivors of clergy sex abuse is calling on the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield to release the names of credibly accused priests.

Members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests voiced their concerns outside diocesan headquarters on Monday. They're not happy about former priest Albert Blanchard. It was recently revealed that Blanchard turned up as a youth religion teacher in a support group for parents of gay children.

Blanchard settled a suit claiming he had sex with a 15-year-old girl in the 1970s.

Peter Pollard, a SNAP spokesperson, said the group is disturbed about the Blanchard development.

"There were people in the parish where he was working, (Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese Bishop Timothy McDonnell) even claims he didn't know about Blanchard's past history, so it's really imperative that the diocese release the names of every credibly accused cleric."

Diocesan spokesperson Mark Dupont says names will be released.

"It's already our intention and it was before SNAP made this request. Within a week or so we plan on posting the names of all credibly accused priests on our Web site."

Meanwhile SNAP also delivered a letter to the bishop's residence voicing their concerns and asking that McDonnell meet with survivors of clergy abuse at a neutral site.

Mark Dupont said the bishop is open to meeting victims as he has done in the past.