For immediate release
May 12, 2004

For more information
Landa Mauriello-Vernon, Survivor and Connecticut State Director, 203-687-8072 cell
David Cerulli, Board Member, 917-757-1791 cell
David Clohessy, National Director, 314-566-9790 cell

CT Victims group responds to Archbishop Henry Mansell's letter to Bishop Gregory,
President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Connecticut Bishops fear independence and autonomy

On February 12, 2004 Archbishop Henry Mansell wrote a letter on behalf of the bishops of Connecticut and Rhode Island to Bishop Wilton Gregory describing a concern that the Office for the Protection of Children and Young People and the National Review Board were overstepping their boundaries. While acknowledging that the Office and the Board were called for by the bishops themselves, the Archbishop seemed disturbed that the two entities were not under the control of the Bishops and were describing themselves as "independent." Archbishop Mansell was also concerned that the Office and the Board were trespassing on areas that were not their concern, such as investigate the sexual abuse of vulnerable adults and act as a Court of Appeals to victims who felt that they did not receive fair treatment by the diocese.

Is it possible that less than ten weeks ago when the John Jay Study was released, along with the results and recommendations of the National Review Board that the Bishops of this state were already trying to go back to "business as usual?" Were the words "transparency and honesty" said in an attempt to regain the Catholic congregation's trust, but never meant to actually put into effect a plan of action that would prohibit such atrocities from happening to children and vulnerable adults ever again? This is yet another attempt to revictimize victims of sexual abuse by the clergy and sweep it under the proverbial carpet. The bishops of this state, of this country, should praise and thank these two entities, as well as any other group, for any attempt taken to resolve any abusive situation, albeit a child or an adult. SNAP Connecticut asks that Catholics contact their bishops and demand that the audits continue. Safety is only insured through continued transparency, honesty, and a true independent, autonomous group overseeing the horrendous and criminal manipulation on the part of the bishops.

For more information: David Clohessy, St. Louis, National Director, 314-566-9790 cell
David Cerulli, New York City, Board Member, 917-757-1791 cell
Landa Mauriello-Vernon, CT Leader, 203-687-8072 cell

SNAP is the nation's largest self-help group for clergy abuse victims. It is based in Chicago and has 4,600 members.

www.snapnetwork.org