Archbishop Coakley says he did not know that a laicized priest was volunteering at one of his churches: Survivors’ group is incredulous
For immediate release, August 24, 2018
Statement by Melanie Sakoda, Volunteer Secretary of SNAP (925-708-6175, [email protected])
A man who was laicized in 2002 due to allegations of child sex abuse has been volunteering at a Oklahoma City church.
According to a statement posted on the archdiocesan website yesterday, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley informed Benjamin Zoeller that he was not allowed to volunteer or work at any parish or archdiocesan entity.
The former priest had been volunteering one day a week at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
We are grateful that Archbishop Coakley has now taken decisive action to correct this dangerous situation. However, while it is true that Mr. Zoeller was removed from the priesthood before the archbishop began his tenure in Oklahoma City, we find it very hard to believe that Archbishop Coakley was not aware that a laicized priest was volunteering at a local parish. We know, based on the recent information out of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, that cover ups are the rule, rather than the exception, in Catholic dioceses around the world.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/may/20/irish-catholic-church-child-abuse
https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/
If it is indeed true that Archbishop Coakley never examined the file of Mr. Zoeller before he was contacted by a Minnesota man earlier this month, we suggest that the archbishop now undertake a complete audit of his files. He should release the names, and current locations, of all the clergy in his diocese who have been accused of child sexual abuse.
There may be other “hidden predators,” and children, both Catholic and non-Catholic, may be at risk from these men. In addition, victims could be suffering alone and in silence, thinking that they were the only ones abused. Knowing that others also accused your perpetrator can be the first step on the road to healing.
Parents at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and all the other parishes where Mr. Zoeller worked should also be gently asking their children if they were harmed. Anyone who experienced, witnessed or suspected abuse in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City should report immediately to the law enforcement. Please. If you know something, say something.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network, is the world's oldest and largest support group for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings. SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact - Melanie Jula Sakoda (925-708-6175, [email protected]), Tim Lennon (415-312-5820, [email protected]), Lisa Kendzior (817-773-5907, [email protected]), Paul Petersen (972-569-0995, [email protected]), Kelly Kirk (918-779-7535, [email protected])
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director