Letter delivered to Bishop Joseph Kurtz on the 5th anniversary of the resignation of Anthony J. O'Connell
March 8, 2007
Bishop Joseph Kurtz
The Chancery
805 Northshore Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
Dear Bishop:
On March 8, 2007, it will be five years since the resignation of Anthony J. O?Connell as bishop of West Palm Beach, Florida, for sexual abuse of teenage boys.
Following the resignation of O?Connell, we were admonished to forgive and forget, while at the same time we have been deliberately denied the full truth about the severity and extent of O?Connell?s abuse. Several victims of abuse asked me to deliver their telephone numbers to you so that you might call them and be personally aware of the truth. You never called.
Our organization came to you in March 2003 to discuss the widespread misconceptions that we saw in the diocese of Knoxville concerning O?Connell. You never acknowledged nor attempted to address these issues (http://www.rememberthesurvivors.net/lettersnaptn032803.htm). Your lack of transparency has hurt victims of clergy abuse. It is apparent that silence about O?Connell?s abuse has continued the cover-up of widespread clergy sexual abuse throughout the Knoxville diocese over the years.
One of the tangible symptoms of this cover-up in many churches and schools is the display of the portrait of Anthony J. O?Connell. You have said that O?Connell is part of our history, and his portraits can remain. Many victims say this is continued abuse. When victims see O?Connell being honored, it is as if their abuser is being honored. When victims see O?Connell?s face, they see the face of their abuser. When victims see O?Connell?s portrait in public places, they know that the church has chosen cover-up over transparency.
And what about the children and teens? Continued display of O?Connell?s portrait desensitizes the faithful and silences the children who might otherwise seek help if they are abused. It says loud and clear that the diocese of Knoxville sides with abusive clergy instead of the victims of abuse.
On behalf of victims of clergy sexual abuse, we are again requesting that all images of O?Connell be removed from public places. If a portrait of O?Connell still has a place of honor in any church or school, we request its removal.
Or if you choose to adhere to the insensitive stand that O?Connell as part of history should have his picture on your wall, then tell the WHOLE truth about history. Change the inscription on the plaque that identifies him as ?Anthony J. O?Connell, 1st bishop of Knoxville? and make it read ?Anthony J. O?Connell, 1st bishop of Knoxville and Admitted Molester of Teenage Boys.
Sincerely,
vancefamily1@comcast.net
Susan Vance
SNAP of Tennessee (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
www.rememberthesurvivors.com