MISSISSIPPI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 9, 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)
Mississippi Bishop William Houck died today. He headed the Jackson diocese until 2003. We hope his passing brings some comfort and closure to those who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes or cover ups during his years in office.
[Washington Times]
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 9, 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)
Mississippi Bishop William Houck died today. He headed the Jackson diocese until 2003. We hope his passing brings some comfort and closure to those who saw, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes or cover ups during his years in office.
During Houck’s tenure, a number of out-of-state predator priests were quietly welcomed into Mississippi, including Fr. William Wiebler, a notorious Iowa child molesting cleric and Brother William Leimbach of Rhode Island.
Though Houck’s successor claims he’s “reformed” how Catholic officials deal with abuse reports, we are skeptical. We believe those with knowledge of or suspicions about clergy sex crimes and cover ups should speak up but inform secular authorities, not church officials.
During Houck’s tenure, a number of out-of-state predator priests were quietly welcomed into Mississippi, including Fr. William Wiebler, a notorious Iowa child molesting cleric and Brother William Leimbach of Rhode Island.
Though Houck’s successor claims he’s “reformed” how Catholic officials deal with abuse reports, we are skeptical. We believe those with knowledge of or suspicions about clergy sex crimes and cover ups should speak up but inform secular authorities, not church officials.
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