Springfield Catholics call for transparency, protection

CTA of Central Illinois joined the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) last week to publicly ask the Bishop for transparency and accountability. Research done by SNAP has found that several priests accused of sexual abuse in other diocese were transferred to the Springfield area in the 1990s. The group is now asking the Bishop to follow the example set by other diocese around the country and release the names of those credibly accused.  

"Posting these names is a quick, inexpensive, non-controversial way to help protect kids, warn families, and heal victims" says SNAP. John, a leader with CTA of Central Illinois, spoke at the press conference. He said he is tired of the secrecy in the Church. "I want the church to stop running from its legal and its moral obligations," he told news reporters. "Basic morality does not have a statute of limitations. Even if the church no longer has a legal obligation to do anything in some of these cases, the moral obligation is still there."