NY--Prison chaplain removed for abuse allegations
For immediate release Thursday January 21, 2016
Statement by Megan Peterson, SNAP leader, [email protected], 218-684-0073
Our hearts go out to anyone who was molested by a cleric. If kids are to be safer, we as a society must welcome and support abuse reports no matter when they are made.
In our experience, often sexually troubled clerics are assigned to “special ministries” like prisons, nursing homes, and hospitals. We strongly suspect this isn’t the first allegation against this priest. We hope we’re wrong but bet we are not.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pastor-removed-after-decades-old-sex-abuse-allegations-surface/
We urge Cardinal Tim Dolan to
-- aggressively reach out to anyone who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by this priest,
-- turn over to law enforcement any files they may have about him,
-- disclose how much time elapsed between the abuse report and this suspension,
-- immediately disclose every location where the priest worked, and
-- personally visit places the cleric worked or lived near, prodding victims and witnesses to come forward, get help, call police, protect others and start healing,
It takes courage for a church official to use his "bully pulpit" and vast resources to seek out others who may have have seen, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes, misdeeds or cover ups. But it's what must happen if churches are to be safer.
It’s crucial that people speak up with any information or suspicions about clergy sex crimes, misdeeds or cover ups. That’s how innocent kids and vulnerable adults will be protected. That’s how the truth will be revealed. And that’s how wrongdoing will be deterred.
But it’s important to call independent secular professionals, not self-serving, biased church officials.
Contact: Barbara Dorris, National Outreach Director, 314 503 0003
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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