National Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

The lesson we can learn today is summed up in three sad words: Basically nothing's changed.

Once again, a priest betrays the trust of an innocent person.
Once again, that victim contacts church officials who keep it secret.
Once again, an abusive priest from out of state is sent here to St. Louis.
Once again, no one here is warned.
Once again, families here are at risk.
Once again, Catholics are lied to - both here and in Kansas.
Once again, a secret settlement is paid.
Once again, the truth surfaces only because of a brave victim.
Once again, it falls to us, the wounded, to inform and safeguard others.

This particular priest sexually assaulted an adult parishioner twice. Our hearts ache for her and for her family. Young, old, middle aged - it doesn't matter. Sexual assault is wrong and harmful and illegal and likely to be repeated.

Thank God she had the strength to fight him off.
Thank God she had the courage to report him.
Thank God she got legal representation.
Thank God she got a settlement.
Thank God she's pursuing criminal charges.
Thank God she reached out and got help.
Thank God she's going public today.

If not for her persistence and courage, no one in the St. Louis archdiocese or the Wichita diocese would know anything about this potentially dangerous man.

If someone in the St. Ambrose community was abused by Fr. Voelker, we desperately hope that she will follow Peggy's brave lead, come forward, and get the help she needs and deserves. If someone in the St. Ambrose community witnessed abuse by Fr. Voelker, we desperately hope that he or she will follow Peggy's brave lead and contact law enforcement.

Finally, we hope that everyone in the St. Ambrose community follows Peggy's brave lead and contacts Catholic officials and expresses their outrage at the reckless, deceptive mishandling of Fr. Voelker's case.