BishopAccountability.org
	Support Group for Clergy Abuse Victims Plans Meeting in St. Joseph St. Joe Channel June 13, 2011 http://stjoechannel.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=206477 A support group for clergy sex abuse victims and their families has announced an open meeting in St. Joseph to discuss allegations against a local priest. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP has planned the meeting for this Thursday, June 16 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the East Hills Library on Woodbine. SNAP has stated that the meeting will focus on the allegations of child pornography involving Fr. Shawn Ratigan who worked in St. Joseph. "We're hearing from dozens of really upset parishioners who justifiably feel betrayed and outraged by church officials who ignored and concealed suspected clergy sex crimes," said Barbara Dorris, SNAP's outreach director. "These Catholics deserve some straight answers and a chance to air their feelings and fears." The first part of the meeting will be an open discussion about the Ratigan case and other crimes regarding clergy. "We want to listen and to offer some guidance based on our decades of experiences in these kinds of tough situations," Dorris said. The second part of the meeting will be a confidential support group focused strictly on how everyone involved or concerned can cope with their feelings of hurt, anger, disappointment and fear. "We've learned, over the years, that it's crucial to voice our emotions, rather than try to keep them bottled up," said Hunter. "And it's really helpful to do that in a safe, comfortable, private setting with others who know how you're feeling." SNAP leaders are urging the public to come forward with information about the case and to contact police.
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