Philly Priest Trial to Start; SNAP Responds

SNAP
February 24, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/pa_philly_priest_trial_to_start_snap_responds

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

As a trial begins against an accused Philly predator priest (Fr. Andrew McCormick), we remind citizens and Catholics that it's never too late to speak up with information or suspicions about known or alleged child sex crimes.

[enquirerherald.com]

Sooner beats later. But speaking up always beats staying silent.

It's our civic and moral duty to help police and prosecutors convict child molesters by sharing what we know and have seen and have heard with them, even if we think it's small, old or “second hand.”

So we hope that anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes or misdeeds by Fr. McCormick will find the courage to pick up the phone and call law enforcement officials immediately. That's the very least we should do if we care at all about kids.

We especially appeal to current and former parish and archdiocesan staff – from bookkeepers to bishops – to find the strength to break your silence if you know or suspect something that might help prosecutors in this case.

The burden of keeping Fr. McCormick away from kids, by prosecuting him, should not fall on the shoulders of one individual, no matter how brave he may be.