WHAT
After a sidewalk news conference, clergy molestation victims will try to hand deliver a letter to the Wayne County prosecutor, criticizing her and urging to:
- reconsider her decision to not retry an abusive Catholic priest,
- work harder to prosecute other clergy sexual predators in the future, and
- publicly urge other abuse victims to come forward and assure them she'll pursue their cases vigorously.
They will also criticize Detroit archdiocesan officials for failure to comply with a national church policy that requires abuse prevention training for Catholic employees and volunteers.
WHEN
Thursday, April 6 @ 11:15 a.m.
WHO
Three-four clergy sex abuse victims and family members who are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, including the group's founder and president
WHERE
Outside the Wayne County prosecutor's office, 1441 St. Antoine St., in Detroit
WHY
According to yesterday's Detroit Free Press, "charges were dismissed Tuesday against Father Edward Olszewski after the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office decided not to retry the Catholic priest. A December ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court overturned his 2002 conviction for allegedly abusing a youngster at St. Cecilia parish in Detroit in the 1970s."
SNAP is very disappointed in DA Kym Worthy's decision, believes it will intimidate other victims and witnesses into remaining silent, and should be re-considered. They want her to do more public outreach to prod others who were molested into coming forward.
The group is also upset that Olszewski's attorney, James Thomas, claims the priest is now "vindicated."
SNAP is also highly criticical of Detroit Cardinal Adam Maida. A recent self-survey of US bishops determined that local church officials did not meet a national requirement that all church staff and volunteers be trained in how to spot possible child molestation and how to respond to suspicions of abuse.
CONTACT:
David Clohessy, SNAP National Director, 314 645 5915, 314 566 9790 cell
Barbara Blaine, SNAP President 314 399 4747 cell
Bill McAlary of Detroit, SNAP Detroit Director, 248 705 3416 cell |
