KALAMAZOO (MI)
MSN [Redmond WA ]
April 20, 2024
By Anna Skog
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests praised the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo for releasing a list of people disqualified from working with kids but is hoping for even more information to be added to the list.
“It is always helpful for survivors when these lists are posted, especially for those who may be suffering alone and in silence,” the organization wrote in a Friday release.
The list includes people who have been “credibly accused” — though not necessarily convicted in a court of law, — violated a child-protection policy after warnings, failed as a mandated reporter to report allegations of abuse of minors, failed to act to prevent abuse they knew was happening, gave pornography to minors, possessed or used child pornography, physically abused minors or directed sexual abuse or sexual assault of minors.
It does not clarify which people are accused of which acts.Kalamazoo Diocese releases list of those disqualified from working with kids
“We cannot help but worry that it is all too easy for the parishioners and the public to assume that the clergy, or even the non-clergy on the list, did not commit life-changing and heinous crimes. Thus, we believe it is extremely important for Bishop (Edward) Lohse to identify which people fall into which categories,” SNAP wrote.
Melanie Sakoda, survivor’s support director for SNAP said Thursday she thinks the list could be even better if it included photos or a bit more information.
“That’s really helpful for people because a lot of times (for) children, you know, it’s Father Jim or Father Bob. You know? They don’t have a last name,” said Sakoda. “Not only, whether they were accused of sex abuse and that’s why they were removed, or whether it was failing to follow the guidelines with working with children, or physical abuse, or whatever it is. It would be nice to know that.”
To report abuse by any member of the clergy to the state attorney general, you can call 844.324.3374. The state also has resources for all victims of sexual abuse at 855.864.2374.
The diocese encourages survivors of childhood sexual abuse to call the Catholic Charities’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 800.873.8336. It also offers a free 10-week program called the Trauma Recovery Program.