IL- Release of Joliet predator priest records, SNAP responds

By Barbara Dorris
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
April 30, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/il_release_of_joliet_predator_priest_records_snap_responds

People often ask why we are here today. We are here because once again brave survivors have put aside their pain, put away their desire for privacy and stepped forward to protect children and reach out to others who have been hurt. They have had the wisdom to work with civil authorities and the persistence to demand the release of these documents which we believe will not only detail horrific abuse but will also reveal what church officials have done to enable, shield and protect these predators. 

Bishop Conlon can claim that these documents are a stinging indictment of his predecessor Bishop Imesch. He can claim much of this did not happen on his watch. That may be true but he has done nothing to correct the horrible injustice inflicted on the brave survivors. He has done nothing to ensure these dangerous predators have no access to children.

Conlon claims on one hand to be a moral and spiritual leader, yet when it comes to clergy predators he becomes a cold hearted CEO who will stop at nothing to protect the reputation of his “company.” He has chosen to sit behind his desk waiting until the brave survivors haul him into court and even then he does only the bare minimum.

Of the 16 predators named in these documents, five, possibly six, are dead. What are church officials doing to ensure the others have no access to kids? Are they currently teachers, working in a daycare, scout leaders, coaching little league, babysitting, acting as mentors?

Conlon can claim there is nothing he can do about past crimes. We disagree. We urged Bishop Conlon to disclose not just the names, but the photos, work histories, personnel records and current whereabouts of all child molesting Catholic clerics. Not just those that are sued. Not just those on the diocesan payroll. All of them. Anything less is selfish and irresponsible. 

He should stop burnishing his image. He should start protecting his flock.

He should stop splitting hairs. He should start acting responsibly.

He should stop pledging “transparency” and start practicing transparency.

He should stop disclosing when forced and start disclosing voluntarily.

He should beg employee and former employees to come forward and work with law enforcement if they have any knowledge of these crimes.

He should use every resource at his disposal (church bulletins, diocesan newspaper and website, church pulpits) to beg survivors to contact the police.

He should punish anyone who enabled or shielded a predator, anyone who failed to call the police when they suspected misdeeds including Bishop Imesch who was allowed to quietly retire.

He should do everything in his power to put these dangerous men into independently run treatment centers.