Canada, NY--Victims’ group outraged that synod again delays defrocking convicted archbishop
For immediate release: Monday, March 23, 2015
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga CA, Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
At their recent meeting in Syosset, New York, the bishops of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) again delayed defrocking Canadian Archbishop Seraphim Storheim.
http://oca.org/news/headline-news/holy-synod-of-bishops-concludes-spring-session2
Members of an abuse survivors' group are outraged that the synod still has not removed the archbishop from the ranks of clergy. He was the OCA’s highest ranking clergyman in Canada, but was convicted of sexually assaulting an 11 year old altar boy in January of 2014 and is currently in jail.
http://www.winnipegsun.com/2015/02/05/storheims-appeal-denied-going-to-jail
The OCA’s synod instead “reviewed” the report of the Synodal Commission, as well as procedures and a date for the spiritual court. They also appointed a committee of three bishops to “develop appropriate procedures.”
http://oca.org/news/headline-news/holy-synod-of-bishops-concludes-spring-session2
Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, say that the denomination has publicly acknowledged that their sex abuse policy requires that clergy who have been convicted of child sexual abuse be laicized.
http://oca.org/news/headline-news/court-upholds-conviction-of-archbishop-seraphim
http://www.snapnetwork.org/canada_defrock_archbishop
http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_clergy_sex_abuse_victims_beg_synod_to_defrock_archbishop
“This ‘spiritual court’ seems to me to be little more than a time-wasting formality,” said Cappy Larson of SNAP. “Both Archbishop Seraphim's guilt and church policy are crystal clear.”
“At least Archbishop Seraphim can’t use his religious title to hurt children from behind bars,” added Melanie Jula Sakoda, also of SNAP, “But what happens when he completes his sentence?”
“The OCA can’t afford to have the archbishop’s die-hard supporters expose kids to danger to prove to him that they trust him completely,” concluded Larson.
For more information: Melanie Jula Sakoda (925-708-6175 cell, [email protected]), Cappy Larson (415-637-2006 cell, [email protected]), David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [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
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–Saint Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Universal Church, quoting Our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ