What:
At a sidewalk new conference, two clergy sex abuse victims (including a nationally-known advocate for other victims) will publicly urge
- the head of the Superior Catholic diocese to "come clean" with more information about Fr. Ryan Erikson, an alleged abuser,
- any one who witnessed or suspected abuse by Erikson to contact law enforcement, and
- any one who experienced sexual assault by Erikson to come forward and get the help they need and deserve, but avoid contacting church officials.
When:
Thursday, Oct. 6, 1:30 p.m.
Where:
Outside the Hudson Police Department, 221 Walnut Street, at the corner of Third (lower level of City Hall building) in Hudson, WI
Who:
Two men who were molested by Catholic priests, including a Milwaukee man who is the Midwest Regional Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation's largest support group for clergy sex abuse victims
Details:
Leaders of SNAP believe that Superior Bishop Raphael Fliss knows more about the alleged abuse, especially since their first reports of Erikson’s sexual problems in 1994.
In the interest of 'protecting the vulnerable and healing the wounded,' the self-help group wants Superior Bishop Raphael Fliss to visit Erikson's former parishes and strongly encourage those who know about the priest's behavior to step forward.
Even thought Erikson is deceased and can't be charged, SNAP leaders question whether diocesan officials who knew about or suspected his crimes and did little or nothing to safeguard children might be criminally prosecuted for failing to report abuse or similar charges. That won't happen, they believe, unless Catholics overcome their fear and shame and call the police with any information about Erikson's wrong-doing they may have.
SNAP will also praise local law enforcement for its work on the Erikson case.
Contact:
Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP National Board Member and Midwest Director 414 429 7259
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