Msgr. Harrison Releases Statement, SNAP Responds
Msgr. Craig Harrison has now joined his attorney Kyle Humphrey in using mean-spirited rhetoric against his accusers. Sadly, his words will intimidate all victims, witnesses and whistle blowers in the Diocese of Fresno, not just those who have made allegations against him.
While we have no firsthand knowledge about this case, we know from studies that false allegations of sexual abuse are extremely rare. We commend Brother Justin Gilligan, OSB, known in Bakersfield as Ryan Dixon, for coming forward and sharing what he knows. We hope that this brave monk is getting a lot of support and thanks for his courage.
It is particularly distressing that Msgr. Harrison has chosen to dwell on Brother Justin's "difficult background and broken relationships," as well as an alleged propensity to "drink excessively." However, as research into the effects of child sex abuse has clearly shown and as SNAP points out in its guidelines on "What to do when your priest is accused of abuse,” victims often have troubled pasts. These behaviors can in fact support their credibility. When someone has been hurt, there are almost always clears signs of that harm.
Up to this point Msgr. Harrison, like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein, has used his lawyer mouthpiece to spread fear and intimidation in the Diocese. However, a person can defend himself without attacking others. That is what Christ would do. Unfortunately, that is the exact opposite of what Msgr. Harrison is doing.
We call on Bishop Joseph Vincent Brennan to promptly denounce and discipline Msgr. Harrison for his unnecessary verbal attacks. If the monsignor were publicly advocating abortion or insulting immigrants, the Bishop would not hesitate to punish him. If Bishop Brennan wants to convince survivors that he cares about their suffering and the safety of today's children, he must act immediately.
CONTACT: Dan McNevin, SNAP Board Member ([email protected], 415-341-6417), Joey Piscitelli, SNAP Northern California ([email protected], 925-262-3699) Melanie Sakoda, SNAP Survivor Support Coordinator, ([email protected], 925-708-6175), Esther Hatfield Miller, SNAP Los Angeles (562-673-9442, [email protected]), Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)
(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for 30 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
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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