Man Who Was Member of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) Kills Himself

earthlink news ^ | 10-13-03

[wheelgunguru]

NEWARK, N.J. - A man who claimed he was molested by a Roman Catholic priest as a boy, then became an advocate for other victims, committed suicide by stepping in front of a train.

Friends of James Thomas Kelly, 37, of Morristown said he was deeply hurt by the abuse. But they stopped short of saying that was the reason for his suicide on Sunday.

Kelly was a member of SNAP, or Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and spoke often about his experiences. Kelly helped establish the group's New Jersey chapter, said Mark Serrano, a SNAP board member.

"Jim was always my go-to guy whenever I needed someone," said David Cerulli, director of SNAP's New York chapter. "He was always willing to go out and speak. He touched a lot of people."

Kelly lived in Mendham and worked as a salesman in the telecommunications industry for 10 years.

He was one of eight men from northern New Jersey who claimed they were molested by the same priest, who was defrocked in 1986 but never charged because the statute of limitations had run out. Kelly had not sued the priest or the diocese.

He walked into the path of a train near the Morristown station, said Penny Bassett-Hackett, an NJ Transit spokeswoman.

[Pontiac]

And let me say this “ The only good capitalist is a dead capitalist.”

Despair is a terrible thing.

If it was me and suicide was the only way out I could see, I think I would first take out my tormentor before I took myself.

May as well go to he!! as a wolf as a sheep.

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[Luke Skyfreeper]

Personally, if I were starting a support network for people with serious emotional problems, I don't think I would give it a name like "SNAP."

[Elliott Jackalope]

I'm not a believer in Christianity, or any other religion for that matter. From what I can tell by their actions, there are a large number of religious professionals of every stripe who also don't believe. Sure, they mouth the mumbo-jumbo and read from ancient old books they claim to believe in, but when push comes to shove they ditch everything for a quick diddle.

Kinda makes one wonder just how much real power is in their beliefs, being as so many so-called religious "leaders" are totally incapable of living up to the most basic expectations of personal conduct. And I'm not bashing any particular faith, from what I've seen there is plenty of blame to go around.

[fishbabe]

amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wicket]

These days, Christians seem about as popular as Republicans. I was at a dinner party a few weeks ago and was taking flak on behalf of the Republican Party, so decided to more correctly identify myself as a Christian conservative. Boy, howdy, the fur started flying then.

You are right that far too many Christian leaders have turned out to have clay feet, and/or to not even believe what they were saying. However, that tends to be what is publicized - not the literally hundreds of thousands of pastors, Sunday School teachers, missionaries and others who quietly devote a large part of their lives to the cause of Christ.

We can all name the aberrant/corrupt things that have been done in the name of Christianity or by those who call themselves Christian.

But, in fairness, Christianity was heavily involved in the abolition of slavery, the founding of the United States, the founding of many of our universities and hospitals, services to the poor like the Salvation Army, civil rights. What Christianity brings to the table is a belief that every person is of infinite value - young, old, disabled, poor, dirty, sick, you name it - because Christ died for each of us. Mother Teresa in India personified that belief with her actions, and her faith gave her the strength to do what she did.

Few of us are "Mother Teresas" and none of us are worthy, but Christ loves us anyway(who can understand why). Hope you might someday take the time to get to know Him, because it's the most important time you'll ever spend.

[sinkspur]

More detritus left by the American Catholic bishops.

This was a suffering, tormented man, who joins many others who couldn't take the pain.

Every damned one of the New Jersey bishops ought to concelebrate this man's funeral, in repentance for what they and their predecessors enabled.

And John Myers, of Newark, should be the principal celebrant.

[MonroeDNA]

My best friend, at 14, shot himself in the forehead, while "Cleaning" his .22 rifle.

He was an Alter boy, under Father Gary.

Father gary was later revealed to be doing Alter boys.

My friend's name was William Morrisette. Farmington, Michigan.

[Lijahsbubbe]

I'm sorry for your friend and yourself. A man raping a boy is such a horrible and destuctive thing. The harm it does to the victim and society is terrible. I wish every molester and every official responsible for moving these priests around would be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

[MonroeDNA]

Thanks for your kind words. We were puzzled, for years. Until it came out later. One of the Deacons was the same way, and a Boy Scout leader for my troop. Again, found out much later.

That's why I left the Catholic Church.

[Coleus]

Kelly lived in Mendham +++

Must have been a Millionaire the town if full of mansions; that's where Whitney Houston lives.

Thomas Kelly RIP
Another victim of the scandal, let the diocese know that they can not cover for bad priests as their decisions can cause lifelong grief and despair for the victims.

http://www.patersondiocese.org

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Sad.

[sinkspur]

That's why I left the Catholic Church.

I don't blame you for leaving.

But, where did you go?

These are horribly destructive men, who turned their inspired mission into selfish abuse.

They took their eyes off Him whom they were to serve.

He's still there, waiting for you to come home.

We're cleaning these men out of the Church, and we're ridding the hierarchy of their enablers.

We need your help.

[PGalt]

The silence of the lambs.

[SuziQ]

That's why I left the Catholic Church.

I hope that now, as an adult, you will be able to see that the horrid actions of a few of its leaders or members don't represent an entire institution. I hope you will give the Church another chance.

[MonroeDNA]

Hi, sink.

Where did I go? Drifting. No church at all. I still believe in God, and pray sometimes. It helps, for sure!

I just can't believe that one of the largest, oldest, organized religeons let this happen. Frankly, to this day I believe it led to the suicide of my best friend. It makes me very skepticle of all organized religeon. In fact, I am highly skepticle of all highly structured hierarchial organizations.

[MonroeDNA]

Thanks, SuziQ.