WASHINGTON
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release – Tuesday, April 26, 2016, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)
Yakima Catholic officials are now refusing to follow the lead of 30 other US bishop by posting names of predator priests on a church website this month. Shame on them for putting their comfort above the healing of victims and the safety of kids.
Weeks ago, Bishop Joseph Tyson’s staff suggested he might post these names. We are deeply disappointed.
Tyson’s public relations staffer, Msgr. Robert Siler, said “the diocese does not see a pressing need (to post the names) at this present time.”
How about suicide prevention? How about easing the pain of victims who were assaulted as kids by these priests and are still mired in shame, silence and self-blame?
Unacknowledged wounds are tough and slow to heal. Many victims feel better when their perpetrators are “outed.” Many feel even better when bishops – who recruited, educated, ordained, and shielded these offenders – admit they are predators and post their names.
And, more important, kids are safer when predators are “outed.”
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