Clergy Abuse Case V. Maine Diocese Loses; SNAP Responds

SNAP
November 12, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/me_clergy_abuse_case_v_maine_diocese_loses_snap_responds

[Bangor Daily News]

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

A clergy sex abuse victim has lost his bid to expose Maine Catholic officials who have ignored and concealed the heinous crimes of a predator priest.

Our hearts ache for William Picher. Despite his betrayal – first, by a predator priest and later, by that priest’s complicit colleagues – Picher is being denied a right guaranteed to most crime victims: his day in court.

He has done a heroic job of trying to shed light on clergy sex crimes and cover ups by Maine Catholic clerics. His courage and persistence are admirable.

Shame on Maine Catholic officials for exploiting legal technicalities to avoid responsibility for heinous child sex crimes committed and concealed by Maine Catholic clerics.

Our hearts also ache for Maine’s children. Hundreds of boys and girl are being sexually assaulted. Few of them can promptly disclose their suffering. Years from now, some of them will seek justice and try to expose the predators that hurt them in childhood. Today’s ruling will make it impossible or harder for most of these victims to take actions to protect others.

Because of archaic child safety laws, Maine has long been one of the most predator-friendly states. Today’s ruling perpetuates this dangerous injustice.

Contact - David Clohessy 314-566-9790 cell, SNAPclohessy@aol.com

Barbara Dorris 314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, SNAPdorris@gmail.com

Barbara Blaine 312-399-4747,SNAPblaine@gmail.com