Clergy abuse victim, abuser want to create resource hub

Published 10:19 am Monday, September 14, 2015

ST. PAUL — A woman who was molested by a nun is teaming up with a priest convicted of sexual misconduct to create a resource hub for victims of sexual abuse.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Susan Pavlak and Gil Gustafson are raising funds with hopes of buying the chancery building of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The building has been assessed at $6 million and is on the market as part of the archdiocese bankruptcy proceedings.

They say the building would house the Gilead Project, an effort to prevent abuse and help victims and people of faith heal.

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The local chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is criticizing Gustafson’s involvement.

Pavlak says Gustafson won’t have a management position or direct involvement with victims.