Chile- Group blasts Chilean bishops over baby theft by priest

By David Clohessy
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
August 13, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/chile_group_blasts_chilean_bishops_over_baby_theft_by_priest

Chilean Catholic officials admit that a priest who “was instrumental in the forced adoption of at least two babies without the knowledge of their mothers” will not be punished. Shame on them.

Let's put this as clearly and simply as possible: Fr. Gerardo Joannon stole children from their mothers through deceit, and Catholic officials acknowledge this fact. 

As depraved as this is, it's every bit as depraved that Catholic officials are doing nothing to punish Fr. Joannon. Shame on every member of the Catholic hierarchy who made or is silently tolerating this irresponsible, hurtful decision.

Fr. Joannon should be loudly and promptly drummed out of the priesthood.

Instead, Catholic officials are simply moving Fr. Joannon to Spain where, presumably he'll be around unsuspecting and vulnerable families. (Catholic officials also admit that the priest had an “inappropriate relationship” with one mother.) 

By this callous and reckless act, Catholic officials are actually making a terrible situation worse – moving a predator to somewhere his abusive and criminal acts are less well known and thus more apt to be repeated. (And make no mistake about it: it's predatory and coercive for a priest to sexually exploit a Catholic woman, abusing his power and prestige with someone who likely was taught since birth to respect and trust an allegedly celibate cleric.)

What excuses will Catholic officials offer parishioners and the public if Fr. Joannon exploits and impregnates a woman in Spain?