MISSOURI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
Victims want private funeral for priest
He’s accused of molesting dozens of kids
Abuse group writes Catholic bishop for help
“Please prevent more pain,” SNAP urges Finn
For immediate release: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013
For more information: David Clohessy (314) 566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com, Barbara Dorris (314) 862-7688 SNAPdorris@gmail.com
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is writing the Diocese of Kansas City – St Joseph’s top Catholic official asking him to make sure that a priest’s funeral is private, not public.
Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are asking Bishop Robert Finn to keep services discreet and out of the parish’s spotlight for the funeral of a credibly accused predator clergy member.
Msgr. Thomas O’Brien was sued at least 20 times for sexually abusing boys and had worked in Springfield MO, Independence MO, as well as Kansas City.
“Dozens of boys who were sexually assaulted by Msgr. Thomas O’Brien have suffered enough. And thousands of Catholics who were scandalized and betrayed – by Msgr. O’Brien’s crimes and church cover ups – have suffered enough,” said David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP’s director. “Please do not add to their pain. Please do not let Msgr. O’Brien be buried in a Catholic cemetery with full honors in a public ceremony. ”
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