IL- Three more predator priest lawsuits; SNAP responds

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
February 19, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/il_three_more_predator_priest_lawsuits_snap_responds

Three more child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits have been filed against the Chicago archdiocese because of the heinous crimes of Fr. Daniel McCormack.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/02/19/three-more-accuse-former-priest-mccormack-of-sex-abuse/

We are deeply saddened each time we hear about more kids who were sexually assaulted by this prolific predator who was repeatedly given free passes and second chances by Cardinal Francis George and his top deputies.

Tragically, this horror could have all been avoided if only three steps had been taken.

First, church officials could have heeded warnings about McCormack's behavior in seminary and should not have ordained him.

Second, they could have ousted him at the first troubling indication of sexual misdeeds and maladjustment (and there were several of them) early in his priesthood.

Third, they could have responded with sensitivity when the first abuse report was made. Instead, Cardinal George, Jimmy Lago and other archdiocesan staff acted selfishly and deceptively, trying desperately to protect their reputations. This kind of irresponsible behavior is largely what drives victims to file lawsuits: when church officials, confronted with clear evidence of child sex crimes, act more like cold-hearted CEOs than the compassionate shepherds they profess to be.