Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Barbara Dorris - SNAP


Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis
SNAP Outreach Director (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
http://www.snapnetwork.org
(314) 862 7688

Brownsville Catholic officials should discipline Deacon Alvin Gerbermann.

Remarks like his intimidate victims and witnesses into staying silent and ignoring or tolerating those hurt.

Gerbermann apparently doesn’t understand that blaming the parents if their child is abused is the same as blaming the victim of a sexual assault.

Gerbermann, an ordained member of the clergy, also seems to hold the Church and the molester blameless in these crimes. He failed to mention that Church officials recruited, trained, employed and supervised (or failed to supervise) the predators. He failed to mention that the predators not only committed a grievous sin, they committed a felony in civil law.

In neither situation is the victim blamed, the perpetrator is supposed to be held accountable for the crimes.

It's also sad that the Brownsville Diocese's public relations staffer refused to condemn Gerbermann's hurtful, insensitive and intimidating remarks.

Once again the Catholic hierarchy is choosing to defend a clergyman rather than helping the victims and kids.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

If Gerbermann had any decency he would resign. If Brum had any decency he would fire Gerbermann. If the bishop had any decency he would order Brum to fire Gerbermann. None have any decency, so it is up to us.