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The below resource was created by our friends from the For Such a Time as This rally. This resources contains information and frequently asked questions on the topics of clergy/minister abuse, different types of abuse, best practices in responding to abuse, information on how to report, and more.

Wow. Look at all of you! Back in 2007, when David Clohessy and I stood outside the SBC annual meeting in San Antonio, just a few steps from the Alamo, there were 10 of us that day.  

I’m honored, truly honored, to be among you. Thanks so much for having me here. By way of background, I was molested by a priest as a kid. So were four of my brothers. One of them went on to become a priest. And he went on to molest kids himself. And now you know why, for more than 30 years, I’ve been with SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

We are pleased to release our 2018 Annual Report! Our movement has seen a lot of momentum, energy, and excitement in the past year and through it all SNAP leaders and volunteers have been there to help protect the vulnerable and prevent future cases of abuse.

Here is a sample letter that you can use when reaching out to your state representatives and encouraging them to take up the important issue of statute of limitations (SOL) reform. We have also included some helpful links to other information and resources you can use in your advocacy efforts.

Dear Catholic Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Nuns and other Employees,

Soon, according to Church policy, you will be a 'mandatory reporter,' required to tell your supervisors about any information or suspicions you have about known or suspected child sex crimes, the abuse of adults by clergy, or cover ups.

For the past two years, Sam Young has led a one-man charge to reform the LDS church and to protect children within the Mormon faith. Now, Sam is taking his campaign nationwide and is urging everyone to take one of three simple actions that can protect EVERY child.

Fr. Gary Hayes has gone home to the Lord.  I wish to express to his family sincere condolences on his passing.  While suffering with Cancer is extraordinarily painful, debilitating and frustrating, it brought Gary home to you because family is where we look for comfort.  Your brother once said, “What is most meaningful often comes from your worst suffering”. In his last suffering with cancer he found the most meaningful relationships, you his family.  He confided in me just a few weeks ago how incredibly happy he was to have rebuilt and strengthened his ties with each of you and how important those bonds were to his heart and to his healing.  He was eternally grateful for your love and incredible care.

Our movement is filled with brave, eloquent survivors who have uttered lines at news conferences that fill me with pride and amazement. One of them is Fr. Gary Hayes. Or I should say “was.” Gary has passed away.

A new study has been released today from the Center for Justice and Democracy at New York Law School and the findings are important for survivors of sexual abuse and their advocates.