‘Such silence  gives predators ample time ...’

2:18 PM Friday, February 5, 2010

It’s fine and dandy for the Rev. Dan Dorsey to “await a just decision” of the child molestation charges against an Ohio priest (“Priest not practicing after molestation charges”). However, if Dorsey were really interested in learning the truth, and perhaps protecting other kids, he would have disclosed the child sex allegation against one of his priests eight months ago, when it was first made, instead of staying silent so long.

Such silence gives predators ample time to intimidate victims, threaten witnesses, fabricate alibis, destroy evidence and even leave the country.

And Dorsey would be actively begging anyone with information about the alleged crimes to call the police. It’s time for Catholic officials to stop being passive and secretive about clergy crimes. It’s time for them to actively help police and others safeguard children.

Barbara Dorris

Outreach coordinator

SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)

St. Louis, Mo.

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