IL--Statements on Illinois adult abuse case
For immediate release, October 11, 2016
Statement by Laura Merleau-McGrady, suing Fr. Osang Idagbo
Once I began learning more of the stories of others who had similar experiences to mine, I realized that my spiritual and emotional suffering were not unique and I needed to do something to help others avoid falling into the same trap into which I fell. So I am filing this lawsuit to add to the growing number of voices trying to bring to light the corrupt system in the Catholic Church that encourages, allows, and does nothing to stop priests from becoming predators.
I implore anyone with information about Father Idagbo’s misconduct with women to come forward and report what they know. To anyone else that Father Idagbo may have hurt, I want you to know that you will not be alone if you come forward. This lawsuit is not about money for me. It is about justice for what has been done to me and so many other women by predator priests.
Statement by David Clohessy of SNAP
Many overlook or minimize the horrific manipulation and abuse of vulnerable parishioners by powerful predatory priests. But it’s widespread and devastating. For the safety of the flock bishops must suspend clerics who violate adults or children.
Catholics are taught that priests are holy, celibate men who represent God on earth and can guarantee them eternal life by forgiving their sins. Given that kind of power, it’s no wonder many clerics abuse it for their selfish sexual gratification.
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
Showing 2 comments