OREGON
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Monday, Dec. 1
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com , davidgclohessy@gmail.com )
We applaud the brave San Diego woman who is suing Jehovah’s Witness officials in Oregon for acting recklessly, callously and deceitfully about a predator in the church.
Velicia Alston is a hero for seeking justice against a Hillsboro Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation. Her courage will help prevent more child sex crimes and cover ups in this incredibly irresponsible and secretive religious group.
For decades, Jehovah’s Witness officials have silenced victims, witnesses and whistleblowers by threatening to “disfellowship” them. This must stop. Caring adults welcome reports of suspected abuse. Heartless adults discourage such reports.
We hope that every single person who may have seen, suspected or suffered child sex crimes or cover ups in Jehovah’s Witness congregations finds the strength, like Velicia has, to do what our civil and moral duty requires – use the justice system to expose wrongdoers, protect kids, deter crimes and start healing.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.