OHIO
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Monday, August 11, 2014
For more information: Judy Jones (636) 433-2511, SNAPjudy@gmail.com, David Clohessy of St. Louis (314) 566-9790 cell, davidgclohessy@gmail.com
Abuse victims challenge bishop
“Stop defaming us,” group says
“Let’s have an open discussion,” they ask
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is challenging Youngstown’s Catholic bishop to a public discussion about his handling of child molesting clerics and is accusing him of “defaming” their organization.
Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are writing Bishop George Murry urging him to set up “an open debate or discussion about the on-going clergy sex abuse and cover up scandal.”
The request comes on the heels of last week’s disclosure that Deacon Ernest Formichelli has allegedly been ousted as a teacher and a deacon in the diocese. The Ohio State Board of Education has also permanently revoked Formichelli’s two teaching licenses.
“Bishop Murry’s spokesman, Fr. John Jerek, claims we’re misinformed, but conveniently, neither man will explain why,” says David Clohessy of St Louis, SNAP’s executive director. “They’re slinging mud when they should be shedding light. That’s not helpful. So we hope that Bishop Murry will overcome his fears and sit down with us in public and talk about this troubling situation.”
“Murry keep promising ‘transparency’ in clergy sex cases so why wouldn’t he have an open meeting about the biggest crisis the US Catholic church has ever faced?” said Judy Jones, SNAP’s Midwest associate director. “The bishop only comments on clergy sex cases through a spokesman, who issues a written statement only when forced to do so by disclosures from victims or reports from journalists. That’s no way to inspire confidence, bring healing, or clarify confusion.”
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