MISSOURI
KCTV
By Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer
By Jeanene Kiesling, Reporter
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) –
The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is apologizing to victims of sexual abuse while also trying to begin the healing process in the first in a series of prayer and healing services.
The first is held Wednesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Those attending will receive a brochure. It reads “Hope” on the front, but at least one victim doubts the church’s sincerity.
“It’s a publicity stunt. I think it’s too little too late,” said Michael Sandridge
Sandridge was sexually abused on a field trip when he was 11. His abuser was his priest at St. Elizabeth.
Sandridge was a plaintiff in a 2014 settlement against the diocese. He said coming forward and seeking justice was hell.
“We were painted as liars and money grubbing. That was not the case. Originally we didn’t even want the money, just to get rid of the people,” said Sandridge.
Now he says the same church that called them liars is apologizing and trying to fix what was kept a secret for so long.
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