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Survivors Voice Co-Founder & Child Abuse Advocate Gary Bergeron says inviting the pope to address congress is simply wrong.
Boston Massachusetts (PRWEB) September 19, 2015
The following is a statement released by Survivors Voice Co-Founder Gary Bergeron on the invitation extended to Pope Francis to address the US Congress:
“The term ‘History will be the judge’ is often used when speaking of public officials. The public and quite often members of the press continue to display what seems, at times, to be an almost a giddy admiration of Pope Francis as he begins his journey to the United States. As an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I would like the public to reflect on the recent history of the institution this man heads.
“The United Nations investigated the Vatican and concluded that ‘The Holy See has not acknowledged the extent of the crimes committed, has not taken the necessary measures to address cases of child sexual abuse and protect children, and has adopted policies and practices which has led to the continuation of the abuse by and the impunity of the perpetrators’ This is not ancient history, or decade old history. This report was released in 2014.
“Justice, is the term most victims of crime use when asked what they seek. For adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the term ‘Justice’ is an elusive term rarely obtainable. One of the major road blocks continues to be the statute of limitations surrounding childhood sexual assault.
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