Clergy Abuse Survivors Announce Global Reformation Day Will Travel Back to Rome

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Aug 23, 2010, 10:43 ET

BOSTON, Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boston area clergy abuse survivors Bernie McDaid and Gary Bergeron today announced Reformation Day 2010, a Global event being sponsored by Survivors Voice Inc., which was founded by McDaid & Bergeron. The official launch of its website www.SurvivorsVoice.org coincides with their announcement today.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100823/DC53578 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100823/DC53578 )

Reformation Day: A gathering of people from around the globe, standing together with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, in one united voice to say "Enough".

The event will take place at St. Peter's Square in Rome on October 31, 2010. At this event, 'The Year of the Survivor' will be announced, marking a 12-month focus on the physical, psychological and spiritual needs of survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

"Our goal is to bring survivors and supporters from around the world together for the first time, to recognize the global impact that this issue continues to have. We are asking leaders from around the globe to reform the way they address the continuing issues surrounding clergy sexual abuse."

This historic event will mark the first time that survivors of clergy abuse, advocates and supporters from around the world will be united in one place.

"We receive phone calls and e-mails on a daily basis from people around the globe. Many are simply sent in support of this event but many more are from survivors around the world who are coming forward. It is painfully clear that the lessons which should have been learned in Boston almost a decade ago are now being wasted. The world once again seems to be simply watching in disbelief. On October 31, 2010 we are asking that people from around the globe join us in simply saying 'Enough'."

Bernie McDaid is a Massachusetts survivor of clergy abuse who traveled with Gary Bergeron to the Vatican in 2003. In 2009 he attended a private meeting of clergy abuse victims with Pope Benedict. Gary Bergeron is a Massachusetts survivor of clergy abuse and the author of "Don't Call Me A Victim"; Faith, Hope & Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church.

For additional information visit: www.SurvivorsVoice.org