Chicago/Boston – Reports from the Chicago Tribune today detail alarming facts surrounding the case of abuse claims against Fr. Edward Mahoney during his time at St. Mark’s parish in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. It appears that victim voices were stifled by a looming threat of a counter suit as was the case with Robert Stepak, a now defrocked priest. Voice of the Faithful Vice President and Chicagoland resident Janet Hauter said of this news, “It is inexcusable that a victim would feel threatened to come forward, they are already dealing with such emotional devastation as it is. We must shoulder responsibility to do whatever it takes to encourage those that have been abused to come forward, not threaten them with malicious, slanderous lawsuits. Where is the justice?”

The details of the action of the Archdiocese of Chicago come on the heels of Cardinal Francis George’s opening remarks at the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops assembly in Baltimore urging his fellow bishops to “move beyond the clergy abuse scandals of the past, and look to build unity within the Church.”

“The contrast is amazing” says Janet Hauter. “Clearly Cardinal George encourages his bishops to move forward without taking any ongoing responsibility in the greatest scandal the Church has had to endure.”

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