SNAP outreach flier, Bloomington IL, June 30, 2023
Please help us protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded
We're with SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), a confidential self-help group for anyone abused at any time in any faith group. We believe some in your community were molested as youngsters by Catholic clerics. Many are likely struggling in shame, silence and self-blame. Will you please help us find and comfort them?
Were any 'credibly accused' predator priests in Bloomington?
Yes. Fr. William Harbert, Fr. Robert Thomas Hughes, Fr. Duane Leclercq, Fr. Edward Lohan, Fr. Thomas R. Miller, Fr. John J. Ryan, Fr. Michael Van Acker.
Aren't these all old crimes by now-dead priests?
No. Two were suspended in just the last decade (Leclercq in 2018 and Miller in 2014). We believe those two, and Fr. Van Acker, are still alive. They might still be around here. And their victims’ pain lives on.
Aren't these men all on the diocese's 'credibly accused' list?
No. These eight are not, even though Attorney General Kwame Raoul says they should be: John M. Beatty, John Joseph Casey, Paul F. Dinan, John V. Farris, James Vincent Fitzgerald, Louis J. Meinhardt, William J. Spine and Emil Twardochleb. (Most are on 'credibly accused' lists in other states or dioceses.)
Who says these men are 'credibly accused' of molesting kids?
For starters, after a five-year investigation, the attorney general does. (He's Illinois' highest ranking law enforcement official.) Some of these men admitted abuse, have been convicted of abuse or have been publicly declared abusers by their own church officials. Details about (and photos of) them are on BishopAccountability.org.
How can I help?
Call and write church staff in Bloomington and Peoria (especially Bishop Louis Tylka 309 671 1550). Insist that they be more honest about ALL child molesting priests, nuns, brothers, monks, seminarians and bishops who are or were in this area and provide their photos, work histories and last known whereabouts. Tell them “This is the best way to help safeguard kids and help victims heal.”
Share this information with anyone you can. Ask your loved ones "Were you ever around any of these men?" Or, better yet, "Did anyone, when you were younger, touch you inappropriately?" Urge them to get professional help or contact our support group.
Tell anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes or cover-ups in Illinois to contact independent sources of help like therapists, police, prosecutors or support groups, not church officials.
Thank you!
David Clohessy of SNAP
@davidgclohessy