Group Puts Pressure On Archdiocese To Remove Priest
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests says the Chicago Archdiocese has had enough time to decide that allegations against a north suburban priest are credible-and should remove him immediately.
The allegations date back to the mid-1970s, against a priest who was a high school principal.
The accuser is a woman, now in her 50s. She was a sophomore at the time of the alleged abuse.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller Reports
Podcast
"I was sent to him for counseling and he molested me during those counseling sessions," she said.
The Chicago woman does not want her name used. Likewise, because the priest has not been removed from ministry, WBBM Newsradio is not naming him.
And the fact that he hasn't been removed from ministry is what's bothering Barbara Blaine, president of SNAP.
"A victim accused him," Blaine said. "She is very credible. She has no reason to lie. She's given all the information to the archdiocese, and I think that they should remove him pending the investigation."
Blaine says the alleged victim came forward two months ago--and that should be enough time.
SNAP says the archdiocese has put restrictions on the priest.
The Chicago Archdiocese issued a pointed response:
"Out of respect for all involved in an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, especially the privacy of an individual coming forward, the Archdiocese cannot and should not discuss the details of a pending investigation before the Independent Review Board has had an opportunity to conclude its process and make its recommendations to the Archbishop.
"We would expect more from SNAP, an organization whose mission is to bring healing and justice to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. We are disappointed that this organization continues to publicize these difficult issues in an inflammatory and misleading way."
