SNAP New Orleans Leader Kevin Bourgeois and New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond Release Joint Statement
For the past 18 months, the Archdiocese of New Orleans and local SNAP (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests) leadership have appeared at odds, often publicly and in the media, over how the archdiocese has handled claims of sexual abuse by clergy.
In recent weeks, it has become obvious to us that though we may have different ideas and methods, we have common goals: healing for victims, their families and prevention of abuse. Let us be clear, clergy sexual abuse is a scandal, it is a sin, and it cannot be tolerated. The Archbishop stated two years ago that the sexual abuse of minors is a crime.
After months of indirect and unproductive communicating, we decided the path forward must include face-to-face, honest, and open communication between us. On December 15 2020, we met for over two hours, first over lunch and then for frank conversation. Our meeting was a positive first step. We learned from each other's experiences, acknowledged each other's pain, and agreed that we need to do more. Our meeting was friendly and focused on the work that needs to be done together.
These were high-level conversations, and while no direct action is a result as of yet, this has opened the door to ongoing communications and an openness to working together to protect children from abuse and ensure that current survivors receive the dignity, justice, and healing they deserve.
While this meeting was a good start, we know well that what is most important is what actions are taken as a result. We are committed to open and honest communications and to developing a program for healing for victims of abuse and their families with the sincere hope of rebuilding trust between them and the church.
We look forward to our ongoing conversations and commitment to this important work.
Most Reverend. Gregory M. Aymond Mr. Kevin Bourgeois
Archbishop of New Orleans SNAP New Orleans
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 5 comments
I am so ashamed by the actions of SNAP. There was a time for diplomacy, but that was decades ago. After all the hard work we’ve done, traveling, spending our own money, and standing on that street for hours with our “Aymond Must Go” signs has been effectively negated. I thought I’d never see the day when we capitulated and broke bread with this monster, yet it has come to pass.
I resigned from SNAP on November 1st, largely because of these strategic mistakes and missteps. If you are angry right now, your anger is not misplaced and is justified. Maybe SNAP or Kevin won’t tell you, but I will: I am sorry sorry that you went through this yesterday, maybe felt re-victimized by SNAP’s actions. I not only feel, but know your pain.
Regardless of what SNAP does, I would encourage you to keep up the fight. We’ve all come way too far, went public, sacrificed for this effort, and this act should not and must not derail the Crucible that is exposing these animals.
Respectfully,
Richard Windmann