Abuse by Women Religious (nuns and sisters)

For at least eight years, victims of child molesting nuns and members of SNAP have repeatedly urged America's largest organization of nuns to expose the truth about child sex crimes and cover ups by women religious. But the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious) continues to essentially rebuff us and them.

Now more than ever, since they're being attacked by bishops like we have been (and are being), nuns should be sympathetic to our plight. It grieves us to have to keep prodding them to take long-overdue, simple steps to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded. But how can we do otherwise?

Contact: Steve Thiesen, Iowa SNAP Director and SNAP Board Member
Phone: 319-231-1663
Email: ltreggiefan@cs.com
(abused by Sister Josephine Schmitz, aka ‘Sister Mary Phillip’)

2002 - LCWR refuses to participate in USCCB’s “Policy for the Protection of Children”
April 5, 2002 - LCWR issues statement on clerical abuse
August 24, 2002 - LCWR National Board issues statement on sexual abuse
June 12, 2004 - Nun survivors meet for the first time in Denver at SNAP Conference
July 13, 2004 - Hand-delivered to LCWR and USCCB from nun survivors regarding Plan of Hope, Respect, and Open Healing. Also requested nun survivors be allowed to speak at LCWR-CMSM Joint Assembly in Ft. Worth. To date, we received no answer from USCCB.
August 5, 2004 - Letter to LCWR from SNAP expressing dismay over their decision not to let us speak
August 9, 2004 - E-mail to National Review Board to intervene on our behalf
August 13, 2004 - LCWR Press Release: Response of LCWR President Sister Constance Phelps, SCL saying we can’t speak in Ft. Worth
August 19 to 22, 2004 - Joint LCWR – CMSM Assembly in Ft. Worth, TX. Nun survivors attempt to attend event but are refused.
October 3, 2004 - Meeting with LCWR Leadership in Chicago
November 22, 2004 - LCWR letter to SNAP refusing to work with SNAP members who are survivors of sexual abuse committed by nuns and sisters
August 2, 2005 - Not allowed to speak at LCWR National Conference in Aneheim, CA; we are present – we delivered letter
August 17, 2006 - Not allowed to speak at LCWR National Conference in Atlanta, GA; we are present – we delivered letter
August 24, 2007 - LCWR contacts us to meet to talk but LCWR does not provide an agenda after numerous requests; Not allowed to speak at LCWR National Conference in Kansas City
September 19, 2007 - LCWR responds to SNAP, denying all five requests
August, 2008 - LCWR rebuffs us via letter; SNAP holds night-time vigil
October 9, 2008 - SNAP meets with Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious in St. Louis; requests are denied
February 23, 2009 - SNAP asks to speak at the LCWR conference in New Orleans
March 26, 2009 - LCWR denies all of SNAP's requests
August 11, 2009 - Not allowed to speak at LCWR Conference in New Orleans; we deliver letter
August 14, 2010 - Not allowed to speak at LCWR Conference in Dallas; we are present
August 16, 2011 - LCWR National Conference in Garden Grove, California
August 7, 2012 - LCWR National Conference in St Louis; SNAP members deliver letter and hold vigil

Letter sent to bishops:

Aug. 8, 2012

Dear Archbishop Sartain Bishop Blair, Bishop Paprocki

We write you with great sadness and reluctance. Each of you, like most of your colleagues, has done a poor job of dealing with child sex abuse and cover up. Still, each of you have a chance to prod US nuns to do a better job in this regard. For the sake of prevention, healing, openness and justice, we hope you seize this opportunity.

We have little faith in "internal" church "investigations" and reports on clergy sex crimes and cover ups. We have even less faith when they're conducted by bishops or “outside” firms hand-picked and hired by bishops.

Still, something is often better than nothing. That’s the case today with abuse and cover up by nuns. Right now, there's very little known about child sex crimes and cover ups by nuns. No one's apparently trying to learn more. And as best we can tell, no one inside or outside of the nuns’ community is trying to prod them to do a better job of protecting the vulnerable and healing the wounded.

So with considerable reluctance and distrust, we're asking you to expand your “oversight” of the LCWR into what the organization – and America’s religious orders of women- are doing and are not doing regarding child sex crimes and cover ups by nuns.

Why does this matter? Because we believe that

--many abusive nuns have never been exposed or disciplined.

--many who have seen, suspected or hidden their crimes have similarly never been exposed or disciplined

--many who were abused by nuns have coped by essentially denying and mischaracterized the crimes they suffered, and minimizing the impact of those crimes, so they suffer in confusion, denial, isolation, shame and self-blame.

We suspect that fewer nuns molest than priests. (Research suggests that more men are sexual predators.) At the same time, however, that’s just speculation. And regardless of the rates or percentages of abuse, two other facts are important. First, there are more nuns than priests. (55,944 nuns in the US versus 41,406 priests) Second, many more nuns had more access to more kids, largely because they worked and work in schools.

Ultimately, however, the numbers or percentages are not especially relevant. If there are 400 or 4,000 or 40,000 adults who were victimized by nuns in this country, every single one of them deserves help. And if there are 4 or 40 or 400 children who may be victimized in the future by nuns in this country, they need protection.

Again, we take this step with great sadness and reluctance. Everyone knows most nuns don’t commit or conceal child sex crimes. Everyone knows that most nuns do wonderful, selfless work, often to help society’s marginalized.

But we see little or no evidence that nuns – either in or through the LCWR or their individual orders – are in any way, shape or form “trailblazers” in making the church or our society safer from clergy child predators or making substantial contributions to the healing of those who suffer because of clergy child predators.

It’s a painful truth to acknowledge. It’s unusual and unsettling for us to seek your help in dealing with it. But our concern – for the vulnerable and the wounded – and our inability to get the LCWR to be more pro-active, leave us with few other options.

Barbara Dorris, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com

Steve Theisen, Iowa SNAP Director 319-231-1663, ltreggiefan@cs.com

David Clohessy, Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, (7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143), 314 566 9790 cell (SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

Click HERE to download a .zip archive of correspondence between SNAP and the LCWR, SNAP and LCWR press releases, and other coverage of the groups (4.76 mb)

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commented 2014-06-04 21:35:33 -0500 · Flag

Starving children in catholic-run “homes” was the way the nuns enjoyed themselves. The food they gave me was disgusting slop and not much of it. The nuns ate well — I thought gluttony was a sin. You are correct Rita that those still alive should be punished now along with those still doing these horrible deeds. Then they can pay later in that burning lake too.

commented 2014-06-04 21:25:53 -0500 · Flag

800 dead in a mass grave in Ireland. Over 50,000 Canadian Indian children died — from abuse, torture, starvation, from murder — in residential schools run by the catholic church jointly with the church of England. Their bodies found in graves under trees that were planted to cover up the deaths. With so much evidence, in so many countries why is the church not held accountable? Why aren’t the governments in all countries excavating the land next to all of these schools and orphanages? It’s good that these atrocities make the news pages.

commented 2014-06-04 20:44:44 -0500 · Flag

It’s too long to wait for them to reach the hot lake; they need earthly consequences. When enough of us publicize all of their atrocious acts, public opinion will shift, just like it did with marriage equality and pot. If there’s one thing perps hate, it’s the light, so let’s keep shedding light on their actions. (And by perps, I mean the abusers and their superiors equally!)

commented 2014-06-04 19:08:53 -0500 · Flag

Let them enjoy their lavish lifestyles now while they still can. They’re going to be spending quite a long long time in a hot lake.

commented 2014-06-04 18:56:03 -0500 · Flag

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/catholic-church/2013/10/09/for-abusive-priest-retirement-income-came-with-a-premium/
This never stops being beyond shocking…

commented 2014-06-04 18:37:29 -0500 · Flag

Look at what was in the front page of msn.com today!!!
Where was anyone who thought to speak up of the starvation that was so widespread in these catholic—I won’t capitalize it—institutions??? If you delve further, it was noted that the nuns and priests had gourmet meals…how in the world did no one speak out for the children?

http://news.msn.com/world/800-babies-buried-in-septic-tank-at-irish-home-for-unmarried-mothers

commented 2014-05-30 16:02:03 -0500 · Flag

If the pope refused to meet with victims he’d be called out on that too.

commented 2014-05-27 02:16:39 -0500 · Flag

The pope’s meeting with victims is just another empty gesture—how many meetings have there been with zero results? When Pope Frank turns over the perps and Cardinal Mahoney et al to law enforcement for due process, then we’ll know he means business and is truly sincere about wanting to help victims and prevent future abuse.

commented 2014-05-26 18:35:33 -0500 · Flag

the pope said he will meet with sex abuse victims—why did he not say all victims of nuns etc—not just priests— but he will NOT come to usa where most of the victims are

commented 2014-05-18 18:47:58 -0500 · Flag

He must have been one of the last honorable bankers (if there is such a thing). I hope and pray that the Father in Heaven brings justice to these people and the world, for I believe we’re living in the last days. Please keep praying for the true Light to win.

commented 2014-05-18 18:37:04 -0500 · Flag

We were in England when a Vatican banker was found hanging from not ironically, Blackfriars’ Bridge…another facet of the conspiracy to kill my favorite pope…

commented 2014-05-18 17:36:52 -0500 · Flag

Pope Francis is knowingly working for the devil. The last good pope to hold office was John Paul the 1st. And he was murdered.

commented 2014-05-18 17:17:49 -0500 · Flag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HmSkgO0JFc
This video explains Ratzinger’s resignation.

commented 2014-05-18 17:13:08 -0500 · Flag

Oh and I forgot this: We all know that Pope Frank was elected to clean up the image, to window-dress as the church is so adept at doing. As he hasn’t been responsible for even one arrest, HE IS COMPLICIT!

commented 2014-05-18 17:09:57 -0500 · Flag

Go to: ITCCS.ORG….The International Tribunal of Crimes against Church and State…I firmly believe that it was through this organization’s actions and the efforts of Kevin Annett, that Ratzinger resigned. The timing was just too perfect: Just as the World Criminal Court was about to indict Ratzinger, he tendered his historical resignation under the guise of “illness.” He was on the verge of being exposed for the atrocities he personally committed as well as the rape of children by clergy all over the world and the conspiratorial coverup by sociopathic priests and higher ups. Check it out—there is a lot being done to combat these atrocities—even that word pales when you think of what has been done to children throughout the ages. There’s a lot of meaningful action all over the world by this organization. It’s very encouraging…also, read Kevin Annett’s story if you want to be inspired. ITCCS.ORG

commented 2014-05-18 16:35:15 -0500 · Flag

Maybe this is why Christ warned us not to call priests “fathers” (even HE didn’t foresee women doing this though, I presume). My God, I’m so sorry that happened to you and your brother. Believe me, these wicked people WILL be held to account on Judgement Day. They’ve secretly sided with the enemy but they’ll be powerless to defeat God. Justice will be achieved.

commented 2014-05-18 15:44:32 -0500 · Flag

While I and my brother were beaten with a stick and raped by a priest, it was the nuns who tortured, beat me, sexually abused me and finally smothered me with a pillow into a coma. They are truly Satan spawn and they need to be exposed and punished for their crimes along with the clergy “fathers” and the rest of the hierarchy up to and including the Pope who is ultimately responsible for all of their crimes.

commented 2014-05-18 15:11:35 -0500 · Flag

It just boggles my mind to know that nuns are part of this Satanic infiltration of the Catholic clergy and conspiracy against the innocent. It’s as though they don’t yet fear God and the Day of Judgement.

commented 2014-05-15 22:02:05 -0500 · Flag

My response tonight to the liberal Catholics demand that the Pope apologize to the American nuns, to the LCWR:
http://abusedbynuns.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/why-is-there-no-outrage-over-nuns-who-abuse-children-and-youth/

commented 2014-05-11 08:38:16 -0500 · Flag

If you want some concrete evidence about mean, cruel abusive nuns, look no further than Ireland and the Magdeline laundries…tales of pure terror.

commented 2014-05-10 21:13:58 -0500 · Flag

NY Times is crying for the poor sisters: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/opinion/sunday/dowd-with-malice-toward-nuns.html?_r=4
It would be good to overload the Times with reality…
My response:
Cait Finnegan
Poconos, PA Pending Approval

Ever wonder if the pope may know more than you do about the nuns? Just a thought. Everyone has the nuns held up as saints and angels. Anyone notice they have been deafeningly silent on the issue of abuse in the Church? There are reasons for that. According to a study commissioned by the sisters 40% of their own membership admitted to being sexually abused before or after entering the convent. Abuse needs to be dealt with, not just run away from, and if it is dealt with about 30% of victims still repeat the abusive cycle. 70% do not—if it is dealt with. So, the silence about abuse? Do the math. When the LCWR grow up and act like responsible leaders (note how they ridicule the mishandling of this by the bishops) and work with victims’ groups, and help in the healing process with victim/survivors then they might be a bit more respected for actually being mature women and honest, and not just highly educated academics and social workers who are ignoring their own victims. Just do the math.

commented 2014-05-09 05:10:17 -0500 · Flag

commented 2014-05-09 05:07:36 -0500 · Flag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ibNIpUUpU
Nun abuse video—others good, too, especially Fr. Thomas Doyle’s…

commented 2014-05-09 05:06:10 -0500 · Flag

commented 2014-05-07 23:40:23 -0500 · Flag

There is a good article on the current National Catholic Reporter at: http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/pope-francis-sex-abuse-panel-gets-real-accountability-protocols

Here is my response. PLEASE ADD YOURS
_________________
Cait Finnegan • a few seconds ago Hold on, this is waiting to be approved by National Catholic Reporter.

This needs to be about more than just priests. Vowed religious women also abuse children and youth, and this continues to be totally ignored by the American Catholic population and the LCWR who claim no authority in this matter, yet do not hesitate to speak about and criticize everything the male clergy do or don’t do. LCWR has a moral authority if not canonical, and needs to stop ignoring victims of abuse by nuns and victim support groups who need to be part of a Church-wide healing process. The Vatican is cracking down on LCWR for theological matters, but letting them just slip quietly by while pointing fingers at the priests and bishops. Women religious commissioned a study in 1996 about their own members, but the results were squelched—with good reason by those who didn’t want the public to know that 40% of nuns admitted to being sexually abused before or after entering the convent… We know that 30% of victims who were abused go on to repeat abuse, keeping the cycle going, and this converts to major numbers among the population of nuns in the USA now, and over double that in the 60’s when so much abuse occurred! Abuse is sexual yes, but the rage in an abuse victim who goes on to repeat the cycle presents not only as sexual abuse by physical as well. Sounding more familiar now? The rage in abused nuns who fled to convents did not disappear into prayer books.

As a survivor of sexual abuse by a Sister of Mercy who died last week, I really think this issue needs to be dealt with, and nuns need to stop throwing stones at the Vatican and male clergy while living in glass convents. They need to do their own work of healing from abuse, and face this all very directly. http://abusedbynuns.wordpress….
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commented 2014-05-06 16:55:37 -0500 · Flag

Cait Finnegan, I admire your attitude and your journey and hope that you attain continued peace with the knowledge that your abuser is gone, truly gone…

commented 2014-05-06 16:52:36 -0500 · Flag

My abuser is still alive, well and revered…I would love to have taken action, but this was in 1959-60, I’ve lost contact with all my classmates who could testify and the one who I still am in touch with is still mesmerized with the posh environment/reputation of the school—for me, pure torture…

commented 2014-05-05 21:54:20 -0500 · Flag

My abuser died this past week: http://abusedbynuns.wordpress.com/

commented 2014-04-14 20:20:39 -0500 · Flag

My dad abused me, my brother abused me and I cried to the church, a priest said I should report them so I did. My dad and brother cried to the church, and the monastery I joined told me i never should have reported them and then my food and drink got laced with drugs. And I had a serious nervous breakdown and have been on disability ever since. My family had a lot of money, and needed to save face in the community, and the nuns needed money. So they did all sorts of bad things to me, some I blocked out and some things I remember. In my early 20’s I thought I would escape the abuse of my family, Now I am in my 50’s and finally getting away. It’s been a living hell for years. What the church teaches is a beautiful thing, yet what the religious practice is horrible. They are more concerned about getting money than doing Gods will. Looking perfect, than striving to be perfect, one thing is for sure, I’m happy I am not a religious. I feel sorry for them.

commented 2014-04-05 22:21:48 -0500 · Flag

Been trying to build my blogs and sites. Also sent off a letter to Pope Francis last week about the LCWR. Who knows? We keep on trying… http://abusedbynuns.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/vestal-virgins/

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Abuse by Women Religious (nuns and sisters)

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