An organization that has been highly critical of the Catholic Church for failing to deal with sexually abusive priests calls one priest a “brave and caring man and a humble hero” for helping abuse victims. The Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests had nominated Father Joseph Starman, who spent much of his career in Jefferson City, for the award from the St. Louis chapter of the Voice of the Faithful.

The Survivors Network says Starman has helped victims against the wishes of his superior sin the church. He also has lobbied the legislature for stronger child sex laws. Starman, who is 78, now lives in Winfield.