Archdiocese Admits “a Number of Allegations” against Priest

SNAP
August 13, 2015

http://www.snapnetwork.org/md_archdiocese_admits_a_number_of_allegations_against_priest

WHAT:

A month before Pope Francis comes to DC, holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will release nine pages of previously-secret records about a never-before-publicly accused predator priest who apparently had several victims. They will also urge Baltimore Catholic officials to

--“come clean,” for the sake of public safety, about other predator priests and

--post their names on church websites (like Baltimore’s previous archbishop did).

And they’ll beg anyone who “saw, suspected or suffered” clergy sex crimes or cover ups at Calvert Hall and in the Baltimore area “to step forward, get help, call police, expose wrongdoers, protect kids and start healing.”

WHEN

Thursday, August 13th at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE

On the sidewalk outside in front of the Baltimore County Circuit Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD (410-887-2139, circuitcourt@baltimorecountymd.gov)

WHO

Two-three members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and supporters

[snapnetwork.org]

WHY

SNAP is releasing nine pages of never-before disclosed emails and letters between two current archdiocesan headquarters staffers, a prosecutor and a victim.

They show that 1) Msgr. Joseph A. Davies has been repeatedly accused of molesting children and 2) at least one church official believes he’s guilty. But Baltimore Archbishop William Lori and his staff refuse to disclose these facts to parents, parishioners or the public.

One letter, to a victim from a high-ranking church official, Msgr. Richard Woy (410-464-4000, RWoy@archbalt.org) says “I want to apologize for the abuse you suffered at the hands of Msgr. Davies.” Another letter by Msgr. Woy admits that the archdiocese “has received a number of child sex abuse allegations” against Msgr. Daviess.

The emails are to/from Alison J. D'Alessandro (410-547-5348, adalessandro@archbalt.org) who deals with abuse victims for the archdiocese).

SNAP wants Archbishop Lori to “come clean” about Msgr. Daviess and “all other admitted, proven or credibly accused child molesting clerics.” (Msgr. Daviess is deceased.)

SNAP also wants Lori and Calvert Hall officials to drop trespassing charges against an abuse victim who goes on trial today.

In 2014, Kurt Gladsky was charged with trespassing at Calvert Hall High School for what he describes as civil disobedience designed to warn others about clerics who commit or conceal child sex crimes. Saying “Kurt has suffered enough,” SNAP wants church and school staff to ask prosecutors to drop the case.

In 1968, Gladsky was molested by Brother Xavier B. Langdon at the school. In 2012, Gladsky was paid a six figure settlement by the school administration.

In 2004, Calvert Hall officials responded to public criticism by re-naming a golf tournament and an education program it had honored Br. Langton. They also took down his photo.

[snapnetwork.org]

About 30 US bishops, usually under pressure, have posted names of proven, admitted and credibly accused predator priests on diocesan websites.

[bishop-accountability.org]

For “the safety of children and the healing of victims,” and in advance of next month’s papal visit, SNAP wants Baltimore Catholic officials to “take this simple, inexpensive step toward openness, healing, prevention and deterrence.” Baltimore church officials did this in 2002 but have since taken down the names.

[bishop-accountability.org]

At least 66 Baltimore priests, nuns and seminarians have been publicly accused of molesting kids, according to BishopAccountability.org. At least six proven, admitted or credibly accused predator clergy and one teacher worked at Calvert Hall.

Photos of Msgr. Daviess will be available at the news conference.