Law Enforcement Opens Probe into Sd Predator Priest

SNAP
November 12, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/sd_law_enforcement_opens_probe_into_sd_predator_priest

[Minnesota Public Radio]

We are grateful that South Dakota law enforcement officials are doing what Minnesota and South Dakota Catholic officials refuse to do – taking seriously the admitted child sex crimes of Fr. Clarence Vavra.

Today, Minnesota Public Radio reports that an investigation has been opened “into alleged sexual abuse of children by a Minnesota priest” who admitted molesting kids on a reservation in South Dakota.

This is precisely what should happen.

South Dakota’s two Catholic bishops should show real leadership and aggressively help police and prosecutors by visiting every place where Fr. Vavra worked, begging victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to step forward. Catholic officials recruit, educate, ordain, train transfer and shield child molesting clerics. When those clerics admit sexually assaulting kids – as Fr. Vavra has – the least Catholic officials can do is to act like the shepherds they purport to be and seek out others who have been hurt.

This is not rocket science. It’s common sense and common decency. It’s what any and every adult should do: help law enforcement catch dangerous child predators. It’s especially what adults who claim to be spiritual guides should do. It’s tragic that victims must keep begging and prodding and encouraging Catholic bishops to take this simple step. And it’s more tragic that nearly every Catholic bishop rebuffs our pleas.

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