NORWICH (CT)
The Day
Nov. 3. 2019
By Sten Spinella
A small group of demonstrators stood outside the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on Sunday to mark All Survivors’ Day, which recognizes survivors of sexual abuse.
As men and women in military dress exited the Cathedral following the 28th annual Red, White & Blue Mass’s reception, they strode past the group of demonstrators, which fluctuated between four and eight survivors and their supporters.
Protesters in Norwich from the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests “stood in solidarity with survivors and supporters from CT Alliance to end Sexual Violence and other groups,” according to a release before the event. People affiliated with SNAP held similar events at cathedrals in Hartford and Bridgeport on Sunday.
The main goal of the event was to call for the state legislature to eradicate all statutes of limitation for sex crimes. At the moment, those who allege they were sexually assaulted by priests cannot file civil lawsuits against the church if they are 51 or older.
Tim McGuire of New London, who alleges that he was sexually assaulted by a priest in Noank as an 8-year-old altar boy, has become an ardent advocate for survivors. On Sunday, he held a sign reading “Say no to the Catholic fondling of state laws. Your laws!”
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