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	Press Release NSAC August 4, 2011 http://nationalsurvivoradvocatescoalition.wordpress.com/press-release/ Three US-based groups blast powerful Ex-Boston Cardinal Bernard Law on display for tourists at prominent Mass in Rome while Vatican stalls on Ireland’s Cloyne Report Pope should bar Law, major figure in US scandal, from presiding at prominent Mass on Aug. 5 Theater and celebrity approach show lack of respect, understanding of deep issues in scandal A powerful and controversial Catholic official is set to lead a special, high-profile mass on Friday in Rome at a papal basilica and three US-based groups that focus on the church’s sex scandal are objecting. Cardinal Bernard Law, who once headed the Boston Archdiocese, will preside over ceremonies at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on August 5. The event has been described in the Boston Globe as “rich in pomp,” marking “the hot August night in 358 when, according to tradition, snow fell on the site that became home to the church.” The Dayton Ohio-based National Survivors Advocates Coalition, the Chicago-based Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), and the Waltham MA-based BishopAccountability.org are urging Pope Benedict to prevent Law’s involvement in the mass or Law himself to step aside. Statement by Kristine Ward of NSAC, 937-272-0308, www.nationalsurvivoradvocatescoalition.wordpress.com We find Law’s leading role in the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows celebration at Mary Major Basilica, Rome, (August 5) at this critical time exemplary of heaping insult upon injury for survivors, their families and Catholics who are appalled as the largest crisis in the Church’s history in 500 years reaches new heights in Ireland. This is not the time for business as usual and celebrity watching that sends a signal more akin to “bread and circuses” than action for justice and penance. Tensions in the scandal are at a new high with the recall of the Vatican Ambassador to Ireland and the Taoiseach’s speech. This Mass and its’ attendant “fake” snow smacks of feel good theater with none other than the heavy weight leader of the cover up of crimes in the United States in the lead role. Law’s chair should be empty at this Mass. If Pope Benedict’s supporters really believe that he’s taken tough stands on abuse they should encourage him to deliver a powerful sign and symbol and remove Cardinal Bernard Law from this “theater” of the moment. Statement by Barbara Dorris of SNAP, 314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com Normally, we push church officials to take practical steps to help protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded. We’re less concerned with symbolic action that makes adults feel better and more concerned with tangible action that makes children be safer. However, because Law has ignored, concealed and enabled so many clergy sex crimes, and because Benedict keeps posturing as a ‘reformer’ while doing so little to actually help, we feel compelled to speak out about the prominent role Law is continually given in top church affairs. Giving more prominence and power to such a corrupt church official rubs salt into the already-deep and still-fresh wounds of millions of Catholics and thousands of victims. It sends a strong signal that, despite promises to the contrary, little is changing when it comes to clergy sex crimes and cover ups. Benedict can’t have his cake and eat it too. He can’t profess to care about victims while tolerating and promoting a cleric who ignored, concealed and enabled crimes against them. Statement by Terence McKiernan of BishopAccountability.org, 508-479-9304, mckiernan1@comcast.net We urge Pope Benedict XVI to remove Cardinal Bernard Law from his position as archpriest of Saint Mary Major Basilica and from his membership in seven Vatican congregations and the Pontifical Council for Culture. In the Maciel case, Benedict showed himself to be aware of the stakes and willing to act. He must do so now in the case of Cardinal Law. It is especially urgent that Benedict remove Law from the Congregation for Bishops. Law has long used his Vatican influence to reward with bishoprics the men who participated shamefully in the cover-up of sexual abuse crimes, including Bishop John McCormack of Manchester NH, Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre NY, Bishop now Emeritus Robert J. Banks of Green Bay WI, Bishop now Emeritus Thomas V. Daily of Brooklyn NY, and Archbishop now Emeritus Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans LA. Law’s continued power in Rome and his ongoing involvement in the selection of new bishops are an insult to survivors and all Catholics. Benedict must end the corruption and send Cardinal Law back to Boston, where his disgraceful performance as archbishop is well understood. All three groups want the Pope to oust him from all church committees, especially the one which helps select new bishops across the world. Controversy first erupted about Law’s role in the annual August ceremonies in 2004. According to the Boston Globe, that year was the first time Law “(stepped) into the public eye in the most significant capacity since he left Boston 19 months ago.” Law resigned as Boston’s archbishop Dec. 13, 2002. The sexual abuse scandal reached new heights in Ireland with the recent speech by Taioseach Edna Kenny and the recall of the papal nuncio to Ireland. Ireland is watiing for the Vatican’s response to the Cloyne Report. Basilica of Saint Mary Major Via Liberiana, 27 Sacristy + 39 06 483195 Parish Office – Via Carlo Alberto, 47 +39.06.4465836 Reception – Via Liberiana, 27 +39.06.4814287 Mass Times: Sunday: 7-8-9-10-11-12-18 Monday-Saturday: 7-8-9-10-11,15-12-18
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