Ma - Victims Blast Fall River Bishop for Parents' Legal Form

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
September 25, 2012

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ma_victims_blast_fall_river_bishop_for_parents_legal_form

[I-Team: Parental Contract Absolves Cape Cod Church Of Liability - CBS Boston]

A Boston news outlet reports that the Fall River Catholic officials are requiring parents at one parish to sign a legal form that is apparently designed to help protect the diocese in child sex abuse and cover up cases.

The contract says: "We specifically agree not to hold the Diocese or any of its employees or contractors liable for any accident, illness or harm that may result from the trip or activity."

We are outraged by this legal maneuver. Catholic officials should be focused on protecting innocent kids, not protecting its often corrupt hierarchy.

It is also another indication that church officials are still unwilling to accept responsibility for putting dangerous clerics around kids. To try and absolve themselves - in advance - of any potential wrongdoing just shows that church officials care more about keeping their reputations clean and their lawyer fees low than they do about protecting kids.

This form is hurtful to victims, insulting to parents and dangerous for kids.

We hope that Fall River's bishop will reverses course and publicly explain how this happened.