WHAT
At a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims will
- applaud church officials for permanently removing a prominent Protestant minister who faces multiple child sex abuse accusations, but
- urge anyone who witnessed or suspected or experienced his misbehavior to contact police, therapists, and other independent agencies, not the church hierarchy.
WHEN
TODAY, Tuesday, May 9, 1:00 p.m.
WHERE
Outside the St. Louis city police headquarters, 1200 Clark, in downtown St. Louis
WHO
Several child sex abuse victims who belong to a self-help group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), including the group’s national director
WHY
A well-known former St. Louis pastor, Rev. Sylvester Laudermill, has been permanently removed from ministry by the leadership of his denomination, the AME church, based in Los Angeles. From 1994-2004, Laudermill headed St. Peter’s AME Church in north St. Louis and was active in community issues.
More recently, he headed Ward AME Church in Los Angeles. In March, he was temporarily suspended from that pulpit because of allegations of molesting kids in both cities. Yesterday, AME authorities in LA announced to the Ward congregation that Laudermill’s removal would be permanent.
LA attorney Stan Sanders, represents the church. LA attorney, Leonard Levine represents Laudermill. St. Louis attorney Ken Chackes represents at least one of Laudermill’s St. Louis area victims. SNAP has also been in touch with one local victim.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.
CONTACT
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director, 314 566 9790 cell, 314 645 5915 home
Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP Outreach Director 314 862 7688
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