Diocese of Buffalo whistleblower interviewed for Sunday's "60 Minutes" story
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) - The confidential whistleblower in the Buffalo Catholic Diocese sex abuse scandal will be featured this Sunday on the national news magazine "60 Minutes".
Siobhan O'Connor, the former secretary to embattled Bishop Richard J. Malone, will speak publicly for the first time Sunday about why she worked with the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team to expose the mishandling of sexual abuse claims against multiple priests by Malone.
"It has been a privilege to work with Charlie Specht of WKBW for several months now," O'Connor said in a prepared statement. "His integrity, faith and tenacity have continued to impress me. As you are now aware, in recent weeks I have also collaborated with the 60 Minutes team, which is renowned for their investigative prowess. I am pleased that Charlie can break this news to my fellow Western New Yorkers. Please know that my conscience compelled me to take action regarding Bishop Malone because of my profound concern for victims, the diocese and our community. As a faithful Catholic, I could not abide by what I witnessed at the Chancery."
"As the whistleblower, my heart is heavy," she added, "but my soul is at peace."
O'Connor was one of multiple sources in 7 Eyewitness News' three-part investigation of Bishop Malone. But her access to the bishop and first-hand experience with many of the most controversial issues in the diocese provided 7 Eyewitness News with unparalleled insight into the diocese's inner workings.
O'Connor, 35, is deeply religious and once considered becoming a Catholic nun, spending time in a convent. She describes h...
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
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I will continue as a clinician-advocate for youth in my area. I admire the courage of all those that continue to challenge and hold accountable this GC!
Rich, MSW