Fellow Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Members and Supporters,

This past week has been both trying and fulfilling.  Starting with David Clohessy’s visit and intense schedule of meeting attendance, press conferences, and leafleting.  Now the news yesterday from the Seattle Archdiocese that there had been a settlement reached with 15 of 16 victims involved in one lawsuit against Rev. James McGreal.  I am sure that we have all been taken on an emotional ride that has seen both highs and lows.

First: I would like to say to the survivors of our group, and any other survivors that we can get this message to: If these few days are taking a toll on you, causing you to hurt in any way, or are forcing you into anger and frustration, please, call someone. Talk to someone close to you that will listen.  Cry through this with them if you have to, but don’t keep this in.  For us to move through this we need to be able to talk about it.  The memories and pain that events like this resurrect can be devastating if we work through this alone.  But we know that we don’t have to.  There IS help out there for all of us.  And we are the fortunate ones who know where to find it.  There are many survivors out there that do not have the support that we do.  We need to continue to reach out to them in any way we can to let them know that we are here, that we can help.

Second: I would like to address the survivors of James McGreal.  For your courage, your pain, and your leadership through all of this, you are recognized by SNAP Seattle as heroes.  You are a formation of men that were brought together in the worst of circumstances and worked through this time of adversity with the courage of warriors.  We commend you for your strength, and the example and message that you send.

Third: I would like to address the Seattle Archdiocese. The timing of the announcement regarding the settlement of the lawsuit with the Rev. James McGreal victims is suspect, to say the least. You picked September 11th.  This is a day in which our country is focusing on the tragedy that struck this great nation only two years ago.  On this day when, we as Americans searched within ourselves for peace, the Seattle Archdiocese makes the stunning announcement that this lawsuit, one of many pending, has been settled.  My reaction initially was for the survivors, and the vindication they must be feeling, finally receiving acknowledgement from the Catholic Church that the church recognizes the fact that they were responsible for the pain that these men suffered.  But then my mind began to focus on the timing of the announcement.

Could the Archdiocese really have calculated the timing of this announcement with a clear conscience?  Could the Archdiocese's moral compass be that far off that they made the announcement on this day knowing that they would get much less media coverage than if the announcement were to come on September 10th or 12th?  Could the Archdiocese make this announcement without Archbishop Brunett present to address his people publicly to bring some sort of reason not only to the laity, but also to all people of Washington state who have been affected by this tragedy?

The Archdiocese is a cunning, calculating, and by many standards, very often an immoral group.  They do not make decisions like this without first working through many scenarios.  They picked this day and probably picked the time that this announcement was made.  And Archbishop Brunett was nowhere to be seen.

While we recognize this step for the survivors as positive, we still doubt the legitimacy of the Archdiocese’s words regarding healing and care for the survivors.  Case in point, Jessie Clayton Dye.  She is an attorney that acts as an ombudsman and pastoral outreach coordinator for the Archdiocese.  There has been no further comment from Archbishop Brunett regarding the request from SNAP to have her removed.  Her being in that position is a conflict of integrity on behalf of the church.  Yet she continues to be allowed to work in this capacity.  And the church wonders why there is so much mistrust.  Look inside your own walls before you even ask the question of me.

Finally: I would like to say that this is a beginning.  I am feeling a renewed sense of worth and healing, as I know that I am working for the good of so many.  What we as a survivors group are doing is to be commended.  We are here for the right reasons:  Supporting those who need it and making ourselves visible and available for those who don’t yet realize that they need us.  I hold my head high when I tell people that I am involved with this group.  I am proud of all of you and thank you for the support you provide for all involved.

Respectfully,

Jim Biteman

SNAP Seattle Leader

206.854.5175

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