Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Local group angry with Catholic Diocese
Updated: 01/28/2008 11:59 PM
LATHAM, N.Y. -- A local group is angry with the Albany Catholic Diocese who granted a leave of absence to a priest accused of abusing children.
The group, SNAP, or the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, gathered in Latham to speak to the press about the alleged abuses by Father Gary Mercure while involved in the Albany Diocese. Bishop Howard Hubbard authorized Father Mercure's voluntary leave about a week ago. Group members say they want to help bring justice for the victims of abuse.
"If a predator can keep their victims silent long enough, they can basically walk away, commit a crime and walk away scot free. We want to change that. We need to change that," said Mark Lyman, SNAP Upstate Coordinator.
SNAP members also say they will demand answers from Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno about what they call predator-friendly statutes of limitations in New York State.