SNAP Accuses Prep School of Foot Dragging on Abuse Allegations

KMOX
February 7, 2012

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/302278/3/Head-of-Marianists-says-16-have-come-forward-about-abuse-at-Chaminade

Barbara Dorris and David Clohessy of SNAP protest Marianist Order

ST. LOUIS–(KMOX)–The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests is accusing Chaminade of taking too long to get the word out about two brothers recently accused of sexual misconduct in the 1970s.

The Marianist Order, which runs Chaminade, has sent out a letter to some 1600 alumni about allegations of abuse involving Brother John Woulfe and Louis Meinhardt — both of whom are now dead.

SNAP’s David Clohessy claims these allegations were well known for some time.

“We’ve talked to at least half a dozen men who told us that Father Meinhardt molested them,” Clohessy said, “And most of them told us that they reported it to Chaminade officials.”

SNAP alleges that the Marianists have a “history” of not sharing allegations of accused clerics in a timely manner.

“The Marianists continue to very begrudgingly, very belatedly, very partially, expose information about these predators and their crimes,” Clohessy said.

SNAP wants the Marianists to be more proactive, and send out letters to alumni at any schools where the men may have taught.

The Marianists released a statement on the SNAP protest:

Fr. Martin Solma, provincial of the Marianist Province of the United States, says that about 15 of the responses received from the mailing to 1,600 Chaminade alums are credible allegations of sexual abuse against Brothers Meinhardt and Woulfe.

“The Province Review Board, an independent lay board of psychology and social work professionals, will assist Fr. Solma in taking the next step with these allegations.

Fr. Solma said, “I am very saddened by these instances of abuse. No one should have had to endure what these individuals did, and we will do whatever we can to promote healing with these individuals. The procedures and protocols in place now are much more structured than they were 10 years ago. We’ve learned a lot about how to proceed in these cases, and we will do our utmost to support these individuals.”