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Survivor Support News

****Steve Lynch's fasting vigil
Reported by Steve Sheehan

On June 26, at 6:00 am, survivor Steven Lynch began a period of fasting and silent meditation in front of the chancery on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Mass. Steve has indicated that he will remain in silent meditation, taking only water, until his "inner voice" tells him that it is right for him to end this vigil.

Several survivors and VOTF survivor supporters were with Steve during the day. Although Steve is not talking, he welcomes company on his vigil, news of what is happening, both oral and written (newspaper and magazine articles), and, of course, plenty of water to keep him hydrated during these hot summer days.

Steve has just returned from a six-month visit to India where he has traveled for the past five years. Most of this time Steve spent in meditation, getting in touch with his inner being, and in this way progressing along his personal healing path. Steve shared stories of his travels with members of the Working Group on Survivor issues, on June 25, at an informal gathering hosted by Andrea Johnson of Wellesley.

****A Musical Tribute
Submitted by Steve Sheehan

On September 28, 20003 at 5:00 pm, a chamber music concert will be performed at the Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall, 27 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA.

Admission to the concert will be free. Concert attendees are asked to make a good will offering to support SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests).

The program will be presented by John Ferrillo, Elizabeth Ostling and Elita Kang of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Carol Rodland of the New England Conservatory, and Hugh Hinton of the Longy School of Music.

The program will consist of works by Bach, Schumann, DeBussy, Barber, Loefflre and Messiaen. PLEASE HELP TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS!

For further information please visit the survivor pages of the VOTF Web site or contact Steve Sheehan at: sheehan1777@aol.com.

****Benefit for The Lighthouse on July 18, 7-11 p.m.
An invitation to Boston Area VOTF Members. Please join us at a party to benefit The Lighthouse on July 18 from 7-11p.m. at Chelmsford Elks Hall, 300 Littleton Rd, Road, Rt. 110) Chelmsford, MA. The Lighthouse is a non-denominational center for survivors and victims of clergy abuse in East Boston. It is staffed and run by survivors. It is a safe, welcoming place for people to go when they need information and support from others who have survived similar abuse as they have. It is brand new and enjoyed its public grand opening on June 7. This family night is the first event bringing people together for the purpose of supporting The Lighthouse. RSVP to TheLighthouse77@aol.com so that we can reserve tickets for you! This party is being sponsored by The Beacons of Light, individuals from many groups that support The Lighthouse.

This party will be fun and casual with a great DJ, cash bar and dancing. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door; families $25.

****VOTF Merrimack Valley, MA Sponsors Support of Survivors Walk 2003
Reported by Stacey Quealey and Lauren Francseschi

Several of the Merrimack Valley VOTF Affiliates sponsored Support of Survivors Walk 2003. Walkers will gather pledges based on how many laps they could walk around the soccer field (approximately 1/4 mile per lap). It was held at Merrimack College in Andover/North Andover, Massachusetts on June 29 from 1:00-5:00 pm. All pledges and donations were donated to the Survivors Appeal. The Survivors Appeal. is a non-profit fund that was established so that financial supporters could make a "one-stop" donation. The tax deductible donations collected by the Survivors Appeal. are distributed to survivor advocacy groups on an as-needed basis. Contacts: Lauren and Stacey at soswalk@yahoo.com.

****Message on recent Supreme Court decision
Reported by SNAP

United States Supreme Court Case DOES NOT AFFECT Civil Cases

Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court handed down the Stogner v. California decision that invalidated use of retroactive statutes of limitations in CRIMINAL cases. As a result, many perpetrators will escape the criminal punishment that they deserve. In this way, Stogner is a horrible decision. In any case, I write to you to assure you that the Stogner decision DOES NOT AFFECT CIVIL cases. Stogner specifically distinguishes civil cases as not being impacted. What Stogner does do is emphasize the importance of civil litigation in this critical area of childhood sexual abuse. In fact, for many, filing a civil lawsuit is the only option for exposing the abusers and those who assist them. We need to keep the faith that the journey upon which we have embarked will result in heightened protection of children. Keep making those police reports. Keep reporting crimes. If the criminally, we will prosecute civilly. Stogner has no impact whatsoever on a survivor's ability to bring a civil lawsuit.

 

 

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In the Vineyard
July 2003
Volume 2, Issue 8

Page One

Survivor Support News

Survivor Voices

Working Groups Report

Parish Voice News

Books for your Short List

Events, Opportunities & News

Letters to the Editor

Commentary

Request a Copy of Annual Report

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