SNAP Praises Protesters in Chile

SNAP
March 19, 2015

http://www.snapnetwork.org/chile_snap_praises_protesters_in_chile

We in SNAP are deeply grateful for every person who is joining us in opposing Bishop Juan Barros' promotion to head the Diocese of Osorno in southern Chile - victims, witnesses, whistleblowers, politicians and Catholics. Barros faces “allegations that he helped cover up – and at times participated in – abuse against minors by his longtime mentor, a priest called Fernando Karadima.” (The Guardian)

All too often, public officials take a "hands off" approach when Catholic officials act in hurtful ways. And all too often, parishioners feel and act powerless when the church hierarchy makes hurtful moves. In this egregious case, we are encouraged to see so many concerned individuals and organizations stepping up and speaking out.

Regardless of what happens to Barros, for the safety of kids, the healing of victims and the sake of simple justice, it's important that those who want to stop clergy sex crimes and cover ups take action. Sitting passively back and wishing things were different helps no one. We hope more people will speak out and contest Vatican officials’ continual and reckless promotion of wrongdoers.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We were founded in 1988 and have more than 20,000 members. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)