FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Long Island VOICE of the Faithful Statement regarding

Disturbing news came on Friday as the Diocese of Rockville Centre announced that the Vatican has cleared the name of Fr. Alan Placa, a formerly high-ranking priest in the diocese who has been at the center of abuse allegations.

Despite the Vatican’s action, members of the Voice of the Faithful cannot deem Fr. Placa to be a “priest in good standing”.

As a result, any conclusion it reached must be considered inconclusive at best.

Legally, or even more importantly, the other actions Fr. Placa undertook during the height of the clergy sexual abuse scandal in the Diocese of Rockville Centre should be more than enough reason for any organization to remove such an individual permanently. These actions were detailed in an exhaustive grand jury report in Suffolk County. The report cites the claims of four alleged victims that date back to Fr. Placa’s first assignment and continued after he became a teacher and a dean.

The state criminal codes have let down survivors of clergy abuse. Now the Vatican has also let them down. As this situation indicates, we can not depend on the Church hierarchy to ensure accountability. We must pass meaningful civil legislation to modify the statutes of limitations so victims of clergy abuse can bring cases to court. This is the only way that we can be sure that justice is served for all parties and that children are protected.

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Long Island VOICE of the Faithful
P.O. Box 1077,
Nesconset, NY
CONTACT: Pat Paone = 516-627-2438 Nancy Massaro – 516-437-6056