Priest in Hawaii Admits Abusing Kids, SNAP Responds

By Barbara Dorris
SNAP
March 21, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/hi_priest_in_hawaii_admits_abusing_kids_snap_responds

We are glad to hear the Fr. Gerald Funcheon has admitted his guilt to claims that he abused young boys in the 1980s. Hopefully Fr. Funcheon’s admission will prevent the diocese from engaging in legal tactics to draw out the trial and avoid responsibility for these crimes.

We hope that this admission will spare some of his victims the pain of having to re-live their experiences, and will encourage other victims who are still suffering in silence to come forward and make a report to police and prosecutors. It is likely that there are others – both at Damien Memorial School and elsewhere within Hawaii – that have been hurt by Funcheon. We urge them to come forward and speak up now.