On Sept. 24, “Spotlight: A Public Discussion about Faith, Journalism and Protecting Children from Sex Abuse” will be held from 6:30 to 8 pm, at Gallup’s El Morro Theatre, 207 W. Coal Ave. The event is held in conjunction with two free screenings of Spotlight, the 2015 Academy Award-winner Best Picture of the Year.
The public is invited to attend the panel discussion and public Q&A. Panelists include Terry McKiernan, of Boston, the founder of BishopAccountability.com and a consultant to Spotlight; Phoenix attorney Robert E. Pastor, who represented 18 clergy sex-abuse claimants in the Diocese of Gallup’s bankruptcy case; Gallup attorney Billy Keeler, who has represented Navajo plaintiffs in Catholic sex abuse lawsuits and currently represents Navajo plaintiffs in abuse complaints against the Mormon Church; and Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola, a freelance journalist who has covered the Gallup Diocese for 14 years. Rachel Kaub, station manager at KGLP Gallup Public Radio, will serve as the event’s moderator.
The film, a modern-day suspense drama, tells the true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that uncovered a decades-long sex-abuse cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment. The film will be shown at 3 pm and 8:15 pm, with free admission. The film is rated R, and parents are asked not to bring any children younger than 15.
For more information about the event and screening, contact: Elizabeth at (505) 870-0745.
Staff Reports