They Want Diocese To Honor "Whistleblower" Who Confronted Erickson

Group to hand deliver letter seeking release of information to families, personal visits to parishes

WHAT:

After a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will try to hand deliver a letter to Superior's top Catholic officials urging them to:

• apologize to the families of Fr. Ryan Erickson’s victims and release to them and the public all records and information concerning the priest
• explain why steps were not taken to remove Erickson from ministry or keep him under supervision and why Erickson file was not submitted for review to either the diocese’s lay review board or to auditors from the national office of child protection
• aggressively reach out to anyone who has experienced, witnessed and suspected sex crimes by an allegedly abusive priest,
• personally visit the parishes where Erickson worked and address parishioners
• prod potential witnesses and victims of Erickson to contact law enforcement

WHEN:

Monday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.

WHO:

Two men who were sexually abused by priests, including a Milwaukee man who is a nationally recognized advocate for molestation victims. Both are with Americas' largest support group for clergy abuse victims, SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

WHERE:

Outside the Superior Catholic diocese headquarters/chancery office, 1201 Hughitt Ave, Superior

WHY:

Superior Bishop Raphael Fliss has been under fire for mishandling abuse allegations against the now-deceased Fr. Ryan Erickson. Two weeks ago Saint Croix County Judge Eric Lundell determined that Erickson likely murdered two adult men in Hudson in 2002 before taking his own life in December 2003. The judge ruled that Erickson was going to be confronted by one of the murder victims, Dan O’Connell, for sexually abusing children.

Since the ruling, the diocese of Superior has admitted that as long ago as 1994, while Erickson was in the seminary, sexual abuse allegations were made against him. Erickson was ordained anyway in 2000 and transferred to three parishes before he took his life.
Three victims of sexual abuse by Erickson have come forward since the hearing.

The group fears that others who may have been assaulted by Erickson are still suffering in shame and self-blame, and will continue to suffer unless Fliss publicly and emphatically urges them to step forward and get help. The group also suspects that other church officials who may have known about Erikson might be able to be prosecuted for railing to report, intimidating witnesses or destroying evidence. That's why they are encouraging anyone with information about Erickson and his crimes to contact law enforcement.

CONTACT:
Peter Isely, SNAP, Midwest Director, (414) 429 7259
Mary Guentner, SNAP Wisconsin Coordinator, (414) 418-3191
David Clohessy, SNAP National Director, (314) 566 9790