Vigil
to be held for clergy sex suicide victims
US-based support group will
give them small gifts
It begs those who "saw, suspected or suffered
abuse"
to speak up
And SNAP urges bishop to do "outreach to those struggling in
silence"
WHAT
Holding signs and childhood
photos, clergy sex abuse victims will
--hold a vigil to remember dozens of
men and women who were molested as children by clergy and committed suicide,
--present small gifts to their families from the families of US clergy sex
abuse suicide victims, and
-- urge anyone who saw, suspected, or suffered
child sex crimes or cover ups to "call police, expose wrongdoers, protect kids,
and start healing."
WHEN
Tuesday November 27 at 12.45
pm
WHERE
Ballarat: Midlands Golf Club - Club
Lounge, Heinz Lane, Invermay Park VIC 3350
WHO
Two leaders of an
international support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused
by Priest) including an American woman, who is the organisation's president and
founder (She will also meet with Ballarat child sexual abuse victims and
families of victims of abuse who took their lives.)
WHY
The Catholic
Diocese of Ballarat has seen a large number of suicides stemming from childhood
abuse at the hands of priests. Police are investigating at least 40 suicide
cases with a link to clerics.
Former Ballarat Bishop Peter Connors said
that he would cooperate with an official government inquiry into child abuse.
Current Bishop Paul Bird has also agreed to cooperate with the inquiry, claiming
that he will turn over all documents to the royal commission. But based on 24
years of experience dealing with church officials across the world, SNAP remains
skeptical, however, of these promises.
At the vigil, SNAP members will
bow their heads and silently remember those who took their own lives after being
abused by clergy. They will also urge those who have seen, suspected or suffered
abuse to break their silence, make a report, and start healing.
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/article/1972
http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/63383/suicides-linked-to-catholic-clergy-abuse/
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-15/ballarat-catholic-diocese-offers-abuse-records-to/4373392
CONTACT
Barbara
Blaine, SNAP President and Founder +1 312 399 4747,
bblaine@snapnetwork.org
Nicky Davis, SNAP Australia Leader 0422 538 440,
nicky@nickydavis.com.au