MINNESOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Monday, Nov. 11
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
In a long string of horrific revelations over the past few weeks about clergy sex crimes and cover ups in the Twin Cities archdiocese, today’s disclosures may be the worst.
Why are the revelations about Fr. Clarence Vavra potentially the worst yet?
Because he’s an admitted serial pedophile and because he’s never been “outed” until today, so who knows how many more kids he’s been able to sexually assault because Twin Cities Catholic officials continue to act selfishly and secretively.
For almost 19 years (and likely longer), a top ranking archdiocesan staffer has known that Fr. Vavra admitted sexually assaulting kids.
For at least a year and a half (and likely longer), the current Twin Cities archbishop has known that Fr. Vavra admitted sexually assaulting kids.
Still, neither Fr. Kevin McDonough nor Archbishop John Neinstedt has had the decency to disclose this fact to Fr. Vavra’s current or former neighbors, colleagues, parishioners or relatives (not to mention police and prosecutors).
Can Catholic officials be more irresponsible and selfish?
Until today’s report by Minnesota Public Radio, virtually no one outside the Twin Cities archdiocesan headquarters knew that Fr. Vavra admitted molesting Native American kids at a South Dakota reservation.
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