Nm - 3 Navajo Men Settle Abuse Cases V. Ex-new Mexico Cleric

By David Clohessy
SNAP
July 16, 2012

http://www.snapnetwork.org/nm_3_navajo_men_settle_abuse_cases_v_ex_new_mexico_cleric

We are grateful to these three brave victims for breaking their silence. While a trial may have provided the public the opportunity to learn the full truth of Cichanowicz’s crimes, we are glad that these survivors can now put this ordeal behind them and work on healing.

New Mexico Catholic officials, especially Gallup’s bishop, also have an obligation to seek out and help anyone who may have been hurt by Cichanowicz. A decade ago, bishops pledged to be "open and honest" about clergy sex crimes and cover ups. New Mexico church officials should honor that pledge by aggressively spreading the word about this dangerous ex-cleric.

This case is the first to deal with priest sex abuse in the Native American community. We suspect that there are many more cases involving members of the Navajo nation and Catholic priests. We hope that now that this settlement is public, other Native Americans who may have been hurt or abused will find the strength to come forward and help protect kids by breaking their silence.