Survivors' Voices

(Mary Grant's remarks after the Supreme Court decision on Stogner v. California. Mary is one survivor among many known and unknown. The re-victimization visited on survivors in the past two weeks prompted Mary to write this poignant appeal - truly a prayer - to all of us. Following the U. S. Supreme Court's ruling against the retroactive erasure of statutes of limitation came the Boston, MA news that despite an extended moratorium on legal pursuit of a global settlement, the Boston Archdiocese is still unable to honor their obligation to its victims.)

Statement by Mary Grant of SNAP,
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

First, a moment of silence for the children of Marion Stogner, who bravely disclosed their abuse and pursued justice all the way to the nation's highest court. Our hearts ache for them today.

Now, a moment of silence for children across California, who have done their moral and civic duty and reported their abuse, and whose molesters will now go free. Our hearts ache for them today.

I don't often do this, but let me briefly tell you my story.

In 1977, Father John Lenihan abused me.
In 1978, Father John Lenihan was reported to Church officials.
In 1989, I reported the crime to law enforcement and Father John described at least one of the molestations on tape; the statute of limitations had expired. In 1990, I filed a civil law suit and Father John admitted that he sexually abused me.
In 1991, I went to the media to warn parents that their kids should not be exposed to Fr. John.
In 1999, I went back to law enforcement when the law changed.

In 2001, another victim came forward who was raped and impregnated by Fr. John after he molested me. Fr. John told her to have an abortion and paid for it. For 15 years, I've warned parents about this dangerous man. Just 7 weeks ago, he was finally jailed. Now, he'll go free. I've done everything I can think of to protect kids. And while I know I have not failed, it scares me that he can roam the streets to hurt others again.

And it scares me that dozens of others who were traumatized by priests also feel sad and scared and depressed today.

We're here today to send several messages.

First, to police and prosecutors: Keep going after child molesters, despite this setback, no matter what it takes.

Second, to lawmakers: Go back and reform other dangerous, outdated laws that make exposing, removing and criminally charging perpetrators more difficult. Our laws must keep children safe. If they don't, they need to be changed.

Third, to parents: Be more careful than ever with your children. Don't assume police and prosecutors are locking up all the bad guys, because the Supreme Court makes that even harder to do.

Fourth, to Church leaders: Prosecutors cannot do your jobs for you. You must open the files on these dangerous men, expose them, and make our churches and our society safer for children.

Finally, to victims: do not give up hope.
You can get better.
You can speak up.
You can warn others.
You can protect your own kids.
Even if your abuser goes free, you can recover.
Do not give up hope.
You have survived the worst: you've survived sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted priest. It's painful, it's unjust, and it's dangerous, but you can also survive the freeing of your abuser.

The following poem by Vincent J. Nauheimer is reprinted with his permission. "Voice of the Faithful" is one of many poems dealing with the clergy abuse scandal that can be found in the book Silent Screams, Poetry Born of Clergy Abuse. This book can be purchased at: www.xlibris.com/SilentScreamsClergyAbuse.html

Voice of the Faithful
by Vinnie Nauheimer

They banded together the Voice of the Faithful
To fight behavior they knew was disgraceful.
Cardinal Bernie Law gave them no choice
They needed a platform to express their voice.
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Preying on children was wrong in their eyes
They soon grew weary of the pack of lies.
They listened to survivors and tales of woe
Meanwhile their numbers continued to grow
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The intention wasn't a religion to design
They didn't even call for Law to resign.
All they wanted was the religion they had
Just wishing to separate the good from the bad.
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They were seen as promoting revolution
By the Church steeped in convolution.
Instead of being greeted with an open mind
Voice of the Faithful was openly maligned.
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From the pulpit they were accused of deceit
On Church property they couldn't even meet.
They sought to hold the Church accountable
Why should that prove so insurmountable?
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An old hierarchy fights to keep their power
Not believing this is their worst hour.
We like Dorothy who pulled the curtain aside,
Found floundering old wizards trying to hide
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The power of God is in every human being
The hierarchy can't prevent us from seeing
Voice of the Faithful has got good news
The power of God is still in the pews.

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