To Whom it May Concern;

In the recent controversy over Father Alex Anderson and the first reports of sexual abuse allegations he faces, it appears the position of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests has been somewhat misunderstood.

It's clear that SNAP realizes, by human law, that Father Anderson has a constitutional right to defend himself as vigorously as the archdiocese can afford.  SNAP, however, has clearly stated in public that Anderson should defend himself without countersuing his accuser and publicly naming his victim who was previously annonymous.

It's widely unreported that Anderson's survivor simply followed the direction and requests of Archbishop Rigalli (as designed by the Dallas Charter) by reporting his experiences to the public authorities.  Furthermore, like too many cases, this case ran into Missouri's very restrictive statue of limitations.  But, the St. Louis City circuit attorney investigated the case and found the charges to have substantial credibility.

Like many people who have survived sexual abuse by priests, this survivor was NOT interested in a financial settlement or a public forum.  He courageously follwed the guidelines of the Dallas Charter and has continued to handle himself with grace.

While the Anderson case is rare in that he filed a countersuit against his victim, Anderson's behavior does seem to follow a pattern adopted by other priests who are accused of sexual abuse.  They defend themselves by clouding the issue and distracting the attention away from their actions with baseless claims.

Shame on the archdioce for revictimizing Anderson's survivor by not publicly denouncing Anderson's actions which clearly violated their direction to the victim and the spirit and doctrine of the Dallas Charter.

Why has SNAP been forced to become a watchdog for the parishioners to interpretate the rhetoric and spin of the corporate communications office of the archdiocese? SNAP's focus needs to be on the survivors of sexual abuse by priests and their long-term health and welfare.  The church should not only assume the moral high ground as it relates to victims but it should also be in the practice of full disclosure to the parishioners who pay the bills.  We have not experienced that during the length of this scandel.  We should not have to wait for it anymore.

Steve Pona
SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
4130 Wilmington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
314.457.8157