Dear Editor,<\/p>\n
Your article on St. John\u2019s Abbey\u2019s sex abuse allegations (Sept. 7) details the story of Pat Marker, former prep student and 1983 abuse victim who resigned from the Abbey\u2019s external review board Aug. 18 over disputed disclosure procedures. Your article fails to mention the vindictive and libelous nature of Marker\u2019s behavior since his resignation.<\/p>\n
Marker\u2019s online website, re-launched Aug. 23, is an unchecked reservoir of slander and contempt against Collegeville.<\/p>\n
Since resigning, Marker has used the site to publish the review board\u2019s confidential documents, including transcripts of victims\u2019 private statements. He also lists names of St. John\u2019s monks who have been \u2013 and initials of those who he predicts will soon be \u2013 accused of sexual misconduct. Disclaimers carefully eschew certifying the accuracy of documents posted, dodging legal action against the site.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis website has the potential to heal,\u201d Marker says of his project. However, his goal of \u201cnotifying potential victims where these men worked,\u201d as he told the St. Cloud Times, serves rather to foster contempt against St. John\u2019s than to promote healing.<\/p>\n
Openness must and does originate from the Abbey, not Pat Marker. Wickedly publicizing victims\u2019 files without their permission cannot force open disclosure.<\/p>\n
Marker and all abuse victims should be shown compassion and support for recovery. That does not, however, warrant free reign to make underhanded attacks on illicit websites. Abbot John Klassen should emphatically request that Marker\u2019s site be removed, and remind him that he cannot promote healing by vilifying the entire community of Collegeville.<\/p>\n[Name Withheld]\nJunior, St. John\u2019s University<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
[Webmaster’s Note: The following is a draft of a letter sent to the editor of The Record on September 11, 2006. The letter was reviewed by Saint John’s Abbey officials, who provided feedback to the student. The student’s letter was … Continue reading