IL--Victims to leaflet at Southside church
Victims to leaflet at Southside church
Prominent pastor faces recent abuse charges
Despite these serious allegations, he’s still on the job
Group wants him removed “for the safety of other kids”
SNAP to congregants: “Protect innocent children, not accused clergy”
WHAT
Before a church service, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will pass out leaflets to parishioners asking them to:
–urge their church officials to remove an accused predator from the pulpit, and
–beg anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered child sex crimes to contact the authorities;
They will also remind congregants to:
--reach out to family members and friends who may have been victimized, and
--make sure that survivors are not suffering alone and in silence.
WHEN
Sunday, November 8th, 10:20 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE
Outside Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 1460 West 78th Street, (near Ashland Ave), Chicago
WHO
Two-three members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, including a Chicago woman who is the organization’s founder and long-time president
WHY
A prominent South Side pastor has been charged with child sex crimes he admitted to committing as recently as last year.
Rev. George W. Waddles, Sr., is the minister at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church on the Southside. Despite Waddles admission and arrest, he remains in the pulpit.
At least two other church members have reported that Waddles also attacked them.
SNAP wants Waddles' congregation and his colleagues to force him to resign. They are also urging other “victims, witnesses and whistleblowers” to “come forward, call police, expose wrongdoing and protect kids.”
Rev. Waddles allegedly tried to hug and kiss a then-13 year old girl several times during counseling sessions and meetings at his church. The pastor has worked at the church for two decades.
“Those who abuse children usually have more than one victim,” said SNAP president Barbara Blaine. “There are likely others who were hurt by Pastor Waddles and are still suffering in shame and silence.”
“It’s imperative that church officials remove this man from ministry while the criminal case is pending,” added SNAP spokesperson Bill Reidy. “The church could be putting other kids at risk by not taking this important step.”
Blaine concluded, “Zion Hill should also use church resources to reach out to those who may have suffered, seen or suspected criminal behavior and urge them to contact the police. But congregants can also reach out to those who may have been hurt and encourage them to speak up, report their abuse and begin healing.”
CONTACT: Barbara Blaine, SNAP President, (312-399-4747, [email protected], Kate Bochte, SNAP Spokesperson, 630-768-1860, David Clohessy (314-566-9790, [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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