Attorney Joseph Saunders published a blog post today that was right on the mark. He criticized Bishop Joseph Martino of the Diocese of Scranton, a Catholic diocese in Pennsylvania, for pushing a political agenda that was not truthful nor consistent with Martino's own actions in his diocese. If Martino is so concerned with "life" issues he'd be taking care of those hurt by sexual abuse. I've had the opportunity of representing a victim of sexual abuse and I know the hurt, pain, and trauma the abuse has caused in his life. If Martino wanted to do more than score quick political points with his Republican cronies, he'd reach out to the victims of sexual abuse.
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is considered a shut down state regarding sexual abuse. Martino knows this and is able to manipulate the situation where he only talks about "life" issues with which he is comfortable. This is blatant hypocrisy and callous disregard for the victims of priest sexual abuse. Shame on Bishop Martino! He may have scored a quick political victory but the flock he is supposed to shepherd suffers for his missteps. Good for Joe Saunders in standing up for victims of sexual abuse. They deserve an advocate and have found one in Attorney Saunders.
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