TUCSON, Ariz. — A group called the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPNetwork) gathered outside of the Saint Augustine Cathedral downtown Monday.
They were protesting in response to an independent investigation of allegations of sexual abuse of minors recently published by a corporation called McAfee & Taft.
The group says the report incriminates Bishop Edward Weisenburger from the Diocese of Tucson.
SNAP president Tim Lennon said "in recent articles of bishop Weisenburger's previous work in Oklahoma, where he knew of sexual abuse and did not report it. Where he deleted messages and information that may be relevant to part of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the church."
The group says Arizona needs to follow 22 other states in investigating the issue, and providing victims an opportunity to step forward.
Bishop Weisenburger from the Diocese of Tucson issued a statement Monday in response to Oklahoma city's release of information saying in part "It is important to note that the McAfee & Taft report contains no allegations that Archdiocesan leadership violated any laws. most importantly to date there are no assertions that any procedural failures or errors in judgment resulted in any additional known victims."
