SNAP outreach flier, Decatur IL, June 30, 2023
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 Decatur?
Yes. Fr. Alvin Campbell, Fr. John J. “Jack” Campbell, Fr. Joseph Cullen O’Brien, Fr. Garrett Neal Dee, Fr. Eugene Costa, Fr. Robert Eager, Fr. Ray Franzen, Fr. Joseph C. Gill, Fr. Frank Martinez, Fr. Francis X. Nawn, Fr. Thomas McShane, Fr. James Patrick O’Hara, Fr. Louis C. Shea, Fr. Walter M. Weerts and Fr. Frank Westhoff. All were in Decatur working for the church.
Aren't these basically old crimes by now-dead priests?
No. As best we can tell, these Springfield diocese ‘credibly accused’ abusive clerics are still alive: Fr. Joseph Cernich, Fr. Robert DeGrand, Fr. Kevin Downey, Fr. Francis Tebangura, Fr. William Weerts, Fr. Garrett Dee and Fr. Frank Martinez. They may be around this area now &/or come back here to visit.
Aren't these men all on the diocese's 'credibly accused' list?
No. These 8 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. They mostly belong/belonged to religious orders like Jesuits, Marianists, etc.
How can I help?
Call and write church staff in Decatur 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.
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