CONNECTICUT
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 18
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com
A new civil lawsuit charges that a priest abused a child and that Catholic officials could and should have prevented the crimes.
[CT News]
The complaint is filed against Fr. Walter Phillip Coleman, who worked at churches in Stamford, Danbury, New Canaan, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Brookfield Center, Danbury, Norwalk, Georgetown, Trumbull and Shelton.
We worry that others who have been hurt by Fr. Coleman are still trapped in shame, silence, confusion and self-blame. We desperately urge them to find the strength to seek help from independent sources, not church officials. And we beg them to call experienced sources, like police, prosecutors, therapists and groups like ours.
If any other people – especially current or former church staff or members – have seen suspicious behaviors or crimes by Fr. Coleman, they must step forward if kids are to be protected.
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