Please Speak Up

Dear Editor,
    Father Milton Eggerling and Father James O'Connor are accused of molesting an Austin boy for five years [“Austin Diocese Implicated in Child Abuse Suit,” News, April 1]. We share the view of the victim's lawyer, Tahira Merritt, that other church staff and members must have known or suspected that this horror was happening. Even if they kept silent then, we beg them to come forward now.
    Kids are safest when those who commit or conceal child sex crimes are exposed, ousted, and prosecuted.
    So again, we plead with anyone who saw, suspected, or suffered crimes by these clerics or cover-ups by their colleagues: Speak up now. It's good for your conscience. It's good for the church. And most of all, it's good for vulnerable kids and wounded adults.