Group asks Rigali to fire victims assistance coordinators

SNAP is asking for more action from Cardinal Justin Rigali. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests wrote a letter to Rigali today asking that he the fire victim assistance coordinators who are supposed to help victims of priest abuse.

“As you know, the impartial jurors, after spending months and months examining evidence and questioning witnesses, concluded that the coordinators are ‘mislead(ing) victims,’ ‘not keep(ing) victims’ statements confidential,’ ‘hound(ing)’ victims for statements to ‘use as ammunition to impeach victims,’ and ‘turning over’ victims’ statements ‘to archdiocesan attorneys,” SNAP member wrote, citing last month’s grand jury report.

The letter suggests Rigali hire non-Catholics “who never have and never will rely on church agencies for their livelihoods” to the victims assistance coordinator positions, with the help of D.A. Seth Williams.

SNAP says the request is not about punishment, but preventing further abuse and related cover-ups.

WHYY’s Lizz Fiedler will have more on this letter, and other developments in the archdiocese, later today.