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Updated: 3:32 PM Mar 15, 2010
Anti-Abuse Advocates Reach Out to Rockford Community
As sex abuse scandals surround the Catholic Church, many are trying to help potential victims by reaching out to the community.
Posted: 9:52 PM Mar 14, 2010 |
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SNAP, also known as the "Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests," stood outside of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rockford today. Members with the organization say they are not against the Catholic Church, but want to make parishioners aware of what they call a "growing problem" within the religion. The group held candles and signs in an effort to encourage victims to speak out.
"By them coming forward, we can identify them and help protect children in the future. It's also to help them get help and support. They need to heal," says Kate Bochte.
SNAP plans to visit more than 30 cities in the United States.
Latest Comments
Posted by: Steve
Location: Rockford
on Mar 23, 2010 at 04:19 PM
"In the name of Bishop Doran I wish to offer a sincere apology to the good Catholic people of our Cathdral Parish. This last Sunday they were picketed by misguided individuals who claim membership in SNAP and Companions in Hope. Their manifest anti-Catholic purpose is meant to slander and smear the entire Church and its hierarchy for the sins of a few." (blah, blah)"We must bear as Jesus did the calumnies of those who hate us and we must pray for them as Jesus did fo his persecutors. Again, I apologize that the Lord's Day at our Cathedral was besmirched by those who care much for their agenda and nothing for the welfare of the Catholic Church." -Msgr David Kagen, Vicar General, front page Rockford Observer Anyone who views the video can conclude Kagan is the one smearing, slandering, besmirching, and falsely persecuting. I was there. Obviously, he wasn't and doesn't know what he's talking about. Mary, I am very sorry for what you've had to endure. I wish you well.
Posted by: David
Location: Bowie, MD
on Mar 17, 2010 at 01:39 PM
"Today I encourage each of you to do what you can to foster healing and reconciliation, and to assist those who have been hurt." "I am ashamed and we will do everything possible to ensure that this does not happen in future." These are 2 quotes from the current pope. I think they apply in this case. These women were trying to reach out to victims and show loving compassion and concern. If any one wants to know why victims take 20, 30 or more years to come forward just look at the reactions of Kathryn and Tom. Who would not be intimidated into silence by these reactions especially when you multiply it by thousands of other voices of reactionary Catholics.
Posted by: Mary
Location: Forest Park, IL
on Mar 16, 2010 at 04:34 AM
I love you SNAP volunteers.You speak truth 2 Catholics & everyone about clergy sexual abuse. Many think THAT crime has stopped. It's still happening here, Ireland, Germany, Africa, South & Central America. Listen to them/read their flyers. Pay attention read & listen to the media stories. My priest raped me from 5th thru 7th grade in the church sacristy's walk-in safe & the basement lavatory. As a kid I prayed to God to make the priest stop. Father S. said it(rape)was my punishment. I'm 66, my LIFE has been a PUNISHMENT: drug-resistent depression, persistant nightmares, flashbacks, suicide attempts, psychiatric hospitalizations; unoptimized potential, depression kept me from college graduation, from job performance requirements(you're fired.) God didn't stop my husband from divorcing me. I'm still waiting for God to reveal His plan for me (not anymore.)I am no longer waiting in or out of the pew.If & when God lets me know that He knows & cares, He wont find me in a church. Thanks SNAP
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