I read with interest the in-depth reporting by Dave Collins, Associated Press, “Report critical of Bridgeport church leaders’ response to clergy abuse” published in The Day. I retired as a New Haven detective with 27 years of service, half as the department’s community youth coordinator. Sexual abuse of the innocent child by criminal parasites within the Catholic Church, or by others, causes permanent damage to the victims, therefore the Connecticut state statute of limitations that protects these perpetrators must be eliminated now.

State Senator Mae Flexer is correct in stating that such legislation “was thwarted by the Catholic Church’s lobbying effort.” State Senator Martin Looney is president pro tempore of the state Senate and his influence is enormous. Contact him at 1-800-842-1420 or martn.looney@cga.ct.gov and ask that he commit to advocating for the abolishment of this cruel and unjust obstacle.

Thomas F. Morrissey Jr.

Cheshire