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Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
| January 3, 2003
SAN DIEGO SNAP
CHAPTER's STATEMENT OVER PROPOSED LARGE-SCALE MEDIATION OF CLERGY ABUSE
COMPLAINTS
The San Diego Chapter of S.N.A.P.'s response to the announced possibility of a mediated settlement for victims of clergy sexual abuse in Southern California is one of cautious if not skeptical optimism. We are optimistic that through mediation, the individual victim/survivor could receive the relief and restitution they deserve, be spared the tortuous ordeal of being re-victimized in a courtroom setting and have their personal privacy protected. At the same time,
we are also skeptical over this proposed mediation with just cause. This
skepticism can best be expressed by posing the following five questions:
1. Can any California
Diocese involved in this process of "Reform, Reconciliation & Renewal"
show that they are now trustworthy enough to abandon past practices of
"Deny & Discredit" in order to provide genuine and sincere pastoral,
spiritual, emotional and restorative care to the individual victim/survivor?
2. At this early
stage, can any of these Dioceses show in a tangible and demonstrative way
that they are equipped to do so without the individual victim/survivor
being subject to, or at risk of, "trial & error" ministry or pastoral
care?
3. Locally, is the
Catholic Diocese of San Diego in particular, willing and able to restructure
its clergy abuse review board to include independent professionals with
knowledge and experience of the dynamics of ""clergy" sexual abuse, the
proper care of victims and just disposition of the offender rather than
well meaning members of the local laity with little or no experience in
any of these areas of expertise?
4. Is the Catholic
Bishop of San Diego, Robert H. Brom ready and willing to be more forthcoming
about his personal involvement and role in the "multiple" charges and settlements
of past sexual abuse allegations in Winona, Minnesota? Is he willing to
publicly disclose the multi-page settlement agreement he signed in order
to give peace of mind to local victims and Catholics that he is of the
moral fiber needed to care for victims of abuse?
5. Will "mediated"
settlements prevent disclosure of the horrible crimes committed against
these children-victims of the past ? Will the identity of the abuser and
personal history of related activities and past allegations remain secret
and withheld from the Catholic laity and community at large? At the present
time, this Diocese has and is currently engaged in such "mediation" practices
and policies.
We have already seen
and have ample proof how such disclosure empowers countless victims who
suffer in silence to come forward; secure in the knowledge that their abuse
was not an isolated incident and more often than not, learn that their
abuser was a multiple offender who left behind a long trail of victims.
Yes, we are optimistic that a "mediated" settlement can be reached which would give so many victims of clergy sexual abuse the opportunity to restore and rebuild a life and show tangible efforts at prevention, healing, reparations and outreach. We are also guarded and skeptical that this institution we were raised and taught to believe was an extension of the divine, can truly discard the deeply imbedded and deplorable practices of the past and place the safety, security and needs of children above its' own interests. Our questions and
concerns are well founded, sincere and just. We withhold evaluation and
judgment of any proposed large-scale mediation until we have received the
answers to them.
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